A leadership group in Moscow, Idaho, aims to give participants a hands-on learning experience and build leadership qualities.

Leadership Moscow is a professional development course designed to develop leadership and communication skills, Jenny Ford, the executive director of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and member of the steering committee for the program, said. The program also aims to help each person who goes through the course gain a network of peers.

Ford said the goal of the program is to enhance communication skills for cohorts going through class.

She said the course is diverse and has multiple themes made to give each person a deep understanding of their immediate area, whether it is Latah County, the University of Idaho or local businesses around the city.

The course gives each participant tools they can use in their respective jobs, Ford said. One of the focuses of the class is how to write proper press releases and work with the media.

To participate in Leadership Moscow each person needs an endorsement from their employer, Ford said.

She said having a group of participants from various businesses is helpful because it gives them a unique experience and helps build relationships.

This is Leadership Moscow’s third year in operation. The first year started with eight graduates and this year they had 20, Ford said. The goal, she said, is to keep the program growing for years to come.

The class runs from September to May and the employer of the participant receives a benefit for sending members of their staff to the program, Ford said