A key strategy of the Plan for Progress is to ensure the development and mentorship of a new generation of collaborative, diverse, professional and civically engaged leaders who will ensure that the future of the Pioneer Valley continues to be bright. The region has a few specific programs designed for supporting this type of leadership. This indicator measures the total number of graduates from all leadership programs within the region, including the Women’s Fund of Western Massachussetts, Leadership Pioneer Valley, Leadership Holyoke which is run by the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Leadership Institute which is run by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Western New England College of Business.

The number of graduates from these leadership programs decreased by 5.7% between 2015 and 2016.