Betty Pearson Award 2023

Leadership West Bend (LWB) is a community stewardship program that began in 1991 and is sponsored by the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce. 

To date, LWB has welcomed 519 graduates and created a strong alumni network of individuals with a wide range of experience and knowledge ready to serve the community. The primary purpose of LWB is to seek out emerging leaders in the West Bend area and prepare them for positions of public influence and decision making.

Leadership Program

LWB begins each September with a 2 day retreat, followed by seven monthly, day-long classes. Monthly classes are held the third Thursday at various locations, with a focus on community-based curriculum. The program concludes with graduation in May. To graduate, a minimum of 90% attendance is required. Absenteeism will result in being dropped from the program. Program tuition is not refundable. 

During the nine-month program, candidates will also be part of a Community Enrichment Group. These groups are formed after presentations are made by non-profit organizations at the retreat. Final presentations will be presented during graduation.

YOUth Lead West Bend is a program at Badger Middle School launched in partnership with the West Bend Area Chamber sponsored Leadership West Bend program. It includes students who were nominated by their 7th grade teachers based on their leadership potential.

The mission of YOUth Lead West Bend is to help compassionate, creative, and community-minded youth develop their leadership talents and abilities so they may positively impact their community. The program focuses on authentic community engagement to build upon the following qualities:

·  Character

·  Compassion

·  Action

·  Responsibility

·  Learning

Over the course of the program, students will tour local organizations, converse with community leaders, participate in team-building activities, and complete service projects. At the end of the year, students who complete the program will receive special recognition at 8th grade promotion.