The WACE Academy is a three-day (three-year) high-quality summer program designed to provide a foundation in Chamber management essentials for today's Chamber executives and professional staff.
Academy-Plus is designed for experienced chamber leaders who want to engage the strategic challenges shaping the future of the profession. Through expert insight and candid peer exchange, participants explore how chambers remain essential to their communities.
UPDATED ACADEMY CURRICULUM & GRADUATION OPTIONS
The WACE Board recently approved a series of changes to the Academy curriculum and graduation options. The changes were recommended by the Academy Steering Committee after nearly two years of evaluation and consideration.
Starting with the 2026 Academy, the following changes will become part of the Academy program:
- New & Updated Courses
- First Year participants will have new course, Chamber Operations, which will include elements of the previous Budget Development & Financial Policies & Procedures courses, along with an emphasis on technology and operational efficiency.
- Second Year participants will find three new or modified courses:
- Community Development will include content related to strategic partnerships & alliances, community initiatives, coalition development, etc.
- Policy Development will focus on both financial and operational policy development.
- Revenue & Program Development will build on the previous course by going beyond fundraising opportunities to exploring ways to "fund the mission" by linking programming to revenue.
- Third Year participants will find a more focused Economic Development Basics course exploring business retention & expansion, attraction, and workforce opportunities.
- Strengthened Academy Cohorts. Academy cohorts will participate in structured engagements in the months following the August program. These sessions will be facilitated by the Academy Steering Committee and designed to strengthen peer relationships, provide additional opportunities to explore and share real-world challenges, and prepare individuals to qualify for the Accredited Chamber Executive designation.
- More Flexibility to Customize "Elective Credits". Academy graduation requires not only completion of the three-year core coursework, but also asks participants to engage in professional development activities that apply to their current or desired responsibilities. Traditionally, credits have been earned by completing workshops or webinars; in addition, going forward, credits will be available for individuals engaged in significant professional service opportunities.
Details on these changes and the complete program can be found using the menu options at the top of this page.
Wayne Griffin Memorial Academy Scholarships
Academy scholarships are named in honor of Wayne Griffin, long-time CEO of the Catalina Chamber of Commerce.
Wayne was the co-founding Chair of the W.A.C.E. Academy, and a long-time instructor and supporter of the program.
The WACE Educational Foundation provides Scholarships for the W.A.C.E. Academy and Academy-Plus program.
A maximum of 18 Academy Scholarships (value $500) will be awarded this year. Additionally, up to five (5) Academy-Plus Scholarships (value $250) will be awarded.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you have all required materials ready when you submit your application, including letters of support from your Chamber CEO (or another Chamber CEO if you are the CEO at your Chamber) and a Volunteer Leader. The application platform does not allow saving "work in progress" or returning to add information or materials.
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