Ukrainian Leadership Academy Opened in Poltava region

Ukrainian Leadership Academy (ULA), a unique educational institution, opened its second branch in Ukraine and the first one outside of the capital city. Forty secondary school graduates (17-20 years old) from throughout Ukraine will study for 10 months under a new format, which combines physical, academic and spiritual education and development. Tuition is free of charge, with only a nominal admission fee of UAH 2,000. Remaining student costs (for accommodation, tuition and study trips) are covered by the Western NIS Enterprise Fund. The main donors of the Academy in Poltava region are Western NIS Enterprise Fund and Astarta agro-industrial holding.

The aim of the Academy is to unite young people with high potential for leadership, and provide them with the best training and world practices, help them to discover a deep understanding of national identity, reveal their true talent, and encourage them to become agent of change for the benefit of our country.

Jaroslawa Johnson, President and CEO of the Western NIS Enterprise Fund, said: “The Academy in Poltava is among the four first regional Academies opening their doors in Ukraine this year. I believe that this region has great economic, investment and tourism potential. But we see that it is still underestimated. By establishing the ULA branch here, we are contributing to the process of making Poltava well known throughout Ukraine and potentially abroad”.

Students of the Academy study six days a week, one of which is dedicated to volunteering to aid IDP’s and ATO veterans, to improve local infrastructure, etc. The program includes study trips within Ukraine and abroad. In addition, participants implement their own projects aimed to benefit local communities.

Viktor Ivanchyk, Founder and CEO of the ASTARTA agro-industrial holding: “An initiative of this kind is pivotal for our region, so we are happy to contribute to the establishment of the ULA here. While communicating with these talented young people, I became even more convinced that this is the right decision. In some years, they will come to work in business and state services and we will see a completely new country. That is why I believe supporting Ukrainian youth is the most important mission for every patriot”.

Valerii Holovko, Head of the Poltava Regional State Administration: “We are happy to be among the first of the regions to host a Ukrainian Leadership Academy. Students have all the necessary conditions for their studies here. The Poltava Region is the cradle of Ukrainian culture. For many students who have come here from the different corners of Ukraine, this year will give them a chance to explore this region, to love it and to become Poltava ambassadors beyond its borders”.

The ULA was launched in 2015. The first enrollment included 39 students. This year there will be five Academies with over 200 students. Participants were chosen from among over 7000 applicants. During this competition, candidates did not know at which of the five Academies they would be studying.

Roman Tychkivskyy, Head of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy: “This year thousands of secondary school graduates competed to become ULA students. This is exactly the new generation who will change Ukraine. I hope that in 15-20 year, we will see new leaders of Ukraine, ready to take the responsibility for the country’s future”.

This year ULA branches will also open its in Lviv, Mykolaiv and Kharkiv. The original Academy location in Kyiv is operating as well. By 2020, the ULA National Office in Kyiv plans to establish 25 Academies around Ukraine – one in each region.