Each year the ELA brings together a class of 30 selected state officials for five days of intensive training with experts in communications, government, and policy development. Created in in coordination with the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania, the program includes lectures with award-winning Penn faculty and hands-on workshops in media relations, negotiation skills, and public speaking. The program is carefully tailored to help each class of public officials take their leadership skills to the next level. Go to the Robert J Thompson Eastern Leadership Academy web page for more information and to download the program application. The application deadline is May 15, 2021.