Stay Work Play, the Manchester-based nonprofit whose mission is to attract and retain more young people in New Hampshire, has launched what it says is the state’s first leadership program for young professionals.
Presented by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, the Rising Stars Leadership Program will help young professionals develop their personal and professional leadership skills and build deeper connections to New Hampshire, while helping employers attract and retain young talent, said Stay Work Play Executive Director Will Stewart.
“Stay Work Play recently asked young people across New Hampshire what benefits they’re looking for from employers in this Covid-era and beyond. Ninety-two percent of survey respondents said they’re either very interested or interested in professional development opportunities,” Stewart said. “Previous research also identified a high loneliness factor for young people in New Hampshire.
Twenty percent of those surveyed said they didn’t have a friend who lives close by, and 25 percent didn’t have family members who are easily accessible. The Rising Stars Leadership Program is designed to address these very issues.”
Kicking off in February, the program is geared toward those in the early stages of their careers in New Hampshire who want to grow as leaders in both their organizations and in their communities. The program is aimed at helping young leaders in New Hampshire develop critical leadership skills, while building a strong understanding and connection to the different aspects that make New Hampshire the right place to Stay, Work and Play.
E.J. Powers, co-chair of Stay Work Play’s board, said the program “was designed for businesses of all sizes to participate and recognize the emerging leaders within their organizations.”
He added that “the price point is accessible, the nomination process is straight-forward, and the programming is substantive and curated to resonate with young people. It’s a win-win-win for businesses, young employees and for our state.”
Participants will take part in in-person sessions beginning in February and ending in June, in addition to several virtual peer connect coaching sessions to reinforce communication skills, problemsolving and motivational inquiry.
Employers must nominate individuals to participate in the Rising Stars Leadership Program.
Tuition is $1,750 for employees of Stay Work Play Board of Advisors member organizations and $2,250 for employees of non-member organizations.
Media sponsors of the program is provided by NH Business Review and New Hampshire Magazine.
More information can be found at risingstarsleadership.com
