The Township Governance Academy (TGA) is a voluntary credentialing program intended to give township board members the advanced knowledge and enhanced skills needed to make effective decisions for the benefit of their township.

Created by the Michigan Townships Association (MTA)--a 501(c)(4), not-for-profit organization serving Michigan's 1,242 townships and 6,526 elected officials--the Academy is designed to move elected officials to a higher level of performance and make their service on the township board a more rewarding one.

The Township Governance Academy consists of 12 "core curriculum" courses, which address the governance areas identified as essential within MTA's core competencies, and elective credits. The coursework can be completed in as few as 18 months, although the average will be between two and three years. For details about the Academy, click here.

Ultimate authority for governing the Academy resides with MTA's Board of Directors. The MTA Education Center is the chief administrator of the Academy as well as the scholarship program.

To apply for a TGA scholarship, click here. The deadline for applications is March 1.