MACHIAS – The Washington County Leadership Institute will begin its 13th year of local leadership training next month.

The institute, founded in 1996 by the University of Maine at Machias and the Sunrise County Economic Council, helps local residents develop leadership skills so they can work more effectively toward a better Washington County.

The institute includes nine daylong sessions held throughout the county. Participants attend leadership sessions, group activities, team-building exercises and workshops, and explore Washington County, seeking opportunities for the county.

In its first 12 years, WCLI graduated 197 area residents, including bankers, educators, clergy, stay-at-home parents, volunteers, nonprofit workers, engineers, journalists and small-business people, all of whom received certificates for their participation.

For information, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jennifer Peters at 255-0983 or scec@sunrisecounty.org.