The Main Street America Academy has officially launched, providing a new platform for learning and professional development tailored specifically for Main Street leaders and practitioners. This initiative offers a range of curated educational experiences designed to help users expand their impact, enhance their skills, and build leadership capacity. The Academy features a flexible mix of self-paced online courses and in-person workshops aimed at practical, real-world application.
A key feature of the Academy is its on-demand learning series, including “Focus on the Four Points,” which guides participants through the core components of the Main Street Approach: Organization, Promotion, Economic Vitality, and Design. Learners gain access to tools, templates, and resources from the Main Street network to put these concepts into action in their daily work.
Another offering is the “Local Main Street Leader” learning journey. This five-part series is crafted for local leaders managing Main Street programs in their communities. It begins with the “Starting” module and will be followed by additional modules covering different leadership stages. The series provides actionable guidance, tested strategies, and ready-to-use resources.
The Main Street America Academy is hosted on a custom-designed learning management system integrated into the Main Street America website. It includes features such as a user-friendly dashboard, role-based learning paths, and a variety of course formats. Users can explore courses, bookmark content, and track their progress, while support resources like FAQs and help tools are also available to enhance the learning experience.
This new Academy represents a significant investment in building stronger, more effective Main Street programs through accessible, relevant, and expertly designed educational content.