Leadership pathways kicks off April 1 Published March 29, 2013 By Donovan Jackson Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Leadership Pathways is a new Air Force educational initiative created to encourage Airmen, their families and base personnel to participate in a multitude of courses aimed at providing training in different areas. The Leadership Pathways concept provides an umbrella over classes provided by installation helping agencies. These include the Airman and Family Readiness Center, the Maxwell Health and Wellness Center, chaplaincy and the sexual assault response coordinator. Leadership Pathways' courses cover a wide variety of areas relevant to healthy functioning, relationship building skills, child and teen rearing, finance, conflict management, goal setting and other phases of life situations. "Leadership Pathways is not a program," said Master Sgt. Jennifer Hellwig, an instructor for the Air Force First Sergeants Academy and who will serve as an instructor for a mentorship 101 course. "It is more like a concept or initiative to make the population of a base aware of all the self-development classes that are available." The first class, Mentorship 101, starts at 10:30 a.m., April 1, in the Airman and Family Readiness Center conference room. The class aims to help attendees understand what is necessary in becoming a better mentor. "We hope that the people who attend classes will share what they have learned with others who do not attend classes," Hellwig said. "We hope that those who did not attend classes are intrigued by the information from their peers and become encouraged to attend classes for themselves." According to Hellwig, Leadership Pathways participants will receive documentation certification for the classes they attend. Upon completion of eight to 10 classes, a student is rewarded with a "one-star" squadron certificate. Completing 13-15 classes, a "two-star" group certificate is awarded. Following the completion of 18-20 classes, participants receive a "three-star" wing certificate. Certificates maybe used as an entry on enlisted, officer and civilian performance reports and awards packages. In addition, the training learned while attending the classes may be added to a spouse's resume. "Through Leadership Pathways we are trying to encourage self-improvement," said community support coordinator Latonya Lewis. "These classes will provide important information that can be used to better someone's quality of life and the quality of life for others as well." For more information about Leadership Pathways, contact Lewis at 953-9822 or Hellwig at 416-2900.