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LANSING, Mich. \u2014 <\/span>The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) is launching the L.E.A.D. Academy, a new leadership development program set to begin this fall as part of the department\u2019s Safe Prisons Initiative.<\/p>\n L.E.A.D. Academy stands for Learn Today, Empower Tomorrow, Aspire Beyond, Develop a Legacy. <\/p>\n Officials say the program is a four-phase leadership development pathway designed to support employee growth at every stage of a career, and intends to advance training and staff support goals by preparing employees to lead \u201cwith skill, integrity and professionalism.”<\/p>\n \u201cOur workforce is constantly evolving, and it is more important than ever that we are supporting our emerging leaders in a way that will create change-makers and thought-leaders in the correctional field,\u201d MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington said. \u201cWell-trained professional staff create safe facilities by stepping above the status quo to challenge themselves, and those around them, to go above and beyond.”<\/p>\n MDOC partnered with Michigan State University to develop the program’s curriculum, focusing on leadership principles applied specifically to the corrections environment. <\/p>\n According to the MDOC, the program emphasizes daily conduct, communication, presence and professionalism as factors that can influence others and contribute to safer facilities.<\/p>\n \u201cThe curriculum is designed to help participants develop practical leadership skills rooted in communication, emotional intelligence, professionalism, and ethical decision-making,” Vivian Aranda-Hughes, an assistant professor in MSU\u2019s School of Criminal Justice, said. “We are excited to support a program that invests in people and recognizes that leadership is demonstrated through the choices, actions, and influence individuals bring to their work every day.\u201d<\/p>\n Applicants for the L.E.A.D. Academy will be selected through a formal review process after applying for the program, according to the MDOC. <\/p>\n To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements: one year of MDOC employment, attainment of satisfactory status during the initial probationary period, and full commitment to the program, including assignments outside the classroom.<\/p>\n Officials say the L.E.A.D. Academy is a key component of the state’s Safe Prisons Initiative, which was launched in March to improve safety and security across MDOC\u2019s 26 prisons. <\/p>\n