The Fountain Hills Leadership Academy (FHLA) is hosting a Future Leaders Forum at Fountain Park, Thursday, April 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Kiwanis Ramada, next to the Rotary Splash Pad off of El Lago Boulevard.

This free Q&A event is open to the public and is designed to give potential applicants to the Leadership Academy insight into the program.

According to a press release, attendees will hear directly from FHLA alumni about their experiences and how it has shaped their leadership journey.

The Leadership Academy is a community program offered through the non-profit I Love Fountain Hills and is designed to develop better-informed citizens.

The eight-week course is a fun and interactive immersion into the town’s governmental processes, civic and community services, public safety, environmental management and more, the release said.

Approximately 15 people will be selected for the FHLA class nine, which will run from mid-September through mid-November.

This year’s program will start with a brief orientation and reception on Sept. 11 and ends with a graduation ceremony after the completion of the last session in mid-November.

Classes will take place every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Along the way, participants will meet community leaders and share ideas about the future of Fountain Hills.

Class participation fee is $250 per student and program graduates must commit to help plan the following year’s program.

“Whether you’re ready to apply or simply want to learn more about the FHLA, this is a great opportunity to connect in a welcoming space,” said Kaye Baumgartner, a class eight alumnus and FHLA board member on the alumni committee. “If you are an alumnus of the FHLA, we encourage you to bring a friend who may be interested in learning more about the program.”

The 2025 program is accepting applications through May 15. To learn more about the program, visit ilovefountainhills.org/leadership-academy/.