Dawson Civic Leadership Institute

Dawson Civic Leadership Institute Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Dawson Civic Leadership Institute, Nonprofit Organization, 3080 S. Business Route 51, Decatur, IL.

The Dawson Civic Leadership Institute (DCLI) focuses on ensuring that students are aware of and develop a deeper understanding of what civic engagement is and how to contribute their talents to impact in the community they know.

Come see our new DCLI Healthcare Programs space at DMH!We are excited to welcome students, families, and the community t...
05/28/2026

Come see our new DCLI Healthcare Programs space at DMH!

We are excited to welcome students, families, and the community to stop by, tour the space, and learn more about our Residential CNA Program.

This open house is for anyone who wants to see the new space, ask questions, and learn more about future CNA class opportunities. If you or someone you know may be interested in upcoming CNA classes, we will have a sign-up sheet available at the open house.

Dr. Juanita Morris will also be doing a live remote during the open house, so stop by, say hello, and be part of the celebration.

DCLI Residential CNA Program Open House
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
2254 N. Union St., Decatur, IL

Stop by, take a look around, and help us celebrate this exciting new space for DCLI Healthcare Programs.

DCLI is in full celebration season!This year, we are celebrating five full program years and watching our students conti...
05/22/2026

DCLI is in full celebration season!
This year, we are celebrating five full program years and watching our students continue to thrive. On Saturday, May 2, we hosted our very first DCLI Graduate Celebration Brunch at the Decatur Country Club with students, families, and supporters.
It was such a beautiful and heartfelt gathering. The room was full of love, joy, laughter, encouragement, and a few happy tears. We wanted our graduates to know that we see them, each of them individually and the group collectively. We wanted to hear from them, celebrate their journeys, and honor the hard work, growth, and resilience that brought them to this moment.
What made the day even more special was the strong sense of community. It was truly a village coming together to celebrate new beginnings and pour into these students as they take their next steps.
To our graduates: we are so proud of you and excited to see what’s next for each of you.
Thank you to everyone who helped make our first DCLI Graduate Celebration Brunch such a beautiful and unforgettable event.
A special thank you to Heather McConnell Smith. We see you!

We are proud to highlight Kirista, DCLI College Scholar.A message from Kirista:“Hi I’m Kirista and I am 22. I have been ...
05/21/2026

We are proud to highlight Kirista, DCLI College Scholar.
A message from Kirista:
“Hi I’m Kirista and I am 22. I have been with DCLI since I graduated High School in May 23’. I am continuing my education with plans to get a bachelor’s in Secondary Education! I am looking forward to getting my bachelor’s and serving the next generations education to come.”

We are proud to highlight Aaron Meador, DCLI College Scholar.A message from Aaron:"My name is Aaron Meador. I am a dedic...
05/20/2026

We are proud to highlight Aaron Meador, DCLI College Scholar.

A message from Aaron:
"My name is Aaron Meador. I am a dedicated early childhood educator with a passion for social science and community advocacy. If you know me personally, you know that I am a silly, smart, empathetic, and kind human being. I have persevered through many challenges in this life, but I never give up. I am not afraid to try and fail. I am not afraid to fight for what is right. And I have never been afraid to be unapologetically me. I am so proud to be a good friend, a good son, a great partner, a determined student, and a caring teacher. It is such an honor to be a member of DCLI. I couldn't be more grateful for every opportunity this organization has given me and I am so happy to represent them. Remember to take care of yourself. And remember to always lead with an open mind and an open heart."

Today we are celebrating Desir'ee, UGI DCLI Workforce Manager, on her graduation! Watching Desir'ee continue to grow, wo...
05/15/2026

Today we are celebrating Desir'ee, UGI DCLI Workforce Manager, on her graduation!
Watching Desir'ee continue to grow, work hard, and pursue her goals has been such an exciting thing to see. She recently earned her Associate’s Degree in Communications while also being part of the Honors Program and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She is now continuing her education at the University of Illinois Springfield studying Educational Psychology.
Through her work with Adult Programming, College Scholars, and the Internship Program, Desir'ee brings encouragement, leadership, and genuine care to the people she works with every day. Her passion for helping others and dedication to education truly shines through in everything she does.
We are so proud of her and all she has accomplished, and we cannot wait to see what’s next for her journey.
Congratulations, Desir'ee! 🎓

CPSA Graduation Ceremony 🎓What an amazing experience this cohort has had throughout the program! Over the past several w...
05/14/2026

CPSA Graduation Ceremony 🎓
What an amazing experience this cohort has had throughout the program! Over the past several weeks, participants engaged in conversations, hands-on activities, tours, demonstrations, and real-world learning experiences with public safety professionals across our community.
We are proud of each participant for their growth, participation, and willingness to learn throughout the program. Congratulations to our CPSA graduates, and thank you to all of the agencies, speakers, and community partners who helped make this experience possible!

Interested in being part of the next cohort this fall?
Learn more and sign up here:
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeyuzFPDwnIvqfttxaRIvuCe1k2oX85sgtLg_dZZjfDUBKvXA/viewform

Reminder! DCLI Summer Internship Information Sessions are tomorrow!If you are interested in the DCLI Summer Public Safet...
05/13/2026

Reminder! DCLI Summer Internship Information Sessions are tomorrow!
If you are interested in the DCLI Summer Public Safety Internship Program or the DCLI 8-Week Summer Internship Program, make plans to attend tomorrow’s mandatory information and registration sessions.
Thursday, May 14
Public Safety Internship
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
8-Week Internship
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location:
3080 S Business Route 51
Decatur, IL 62521
(Decatur Public Schools FFA Building)

Directions:
• Take Route 51 South through South Shores
• Pass Kroger
• Pass Maranatha Church
• Pass Rotary Parkway
• Pass the sign for Red Tail Run Golf Course
• Take the first left past Red Tail Run Golf Course
• Turn left when you see the large flag pole and FFA sign
• The building is located where the FFA sign is in front

Students only need to attend one session for their chosen program, but those interested in both are welcome to stay for the full evening.

We look forward to meeting everyone tomorrow!

DCLI Young Women Only enjoyed a beautiful evening at the Beach House of Decatur with laughter, conversation, great food,...
05/13/2026

DCLI Young Women Only enjoyed a beautiful evening at the Beach House of Decatur with laughter, conversation, great food, and time together by the water. 🤍

One of the most rewarding parts of this program has been watching these young women continue to grow in confidence, encourage one another, and become more comfortable using their voices and expressing themselves.

From sharing meals and stories to laughing together on the boardwalk, this experience continues to build genuine friendships and a strong sense of sisterhood within the group.

We are so proud of each of them and excited to continue watching them grow.

Our 2026 Residential CNA Program is approaching quickly! 🩺✨We recently held our Parent and Student Information Session, ...
05/11/2026

Our 2026 Residential CNA Program is approaching quickly! 🩺✨

We recently held our Parent and Student Information Session, and we are excited to officially begin this journey with another incredible group of future healthcare professionals.

This summer will be filled with learning, growth, hands-on experiences, new connections, and unforgettable memories as students take the next step toward careers in healthcare.

We can’t wait to see all they accomplish throughout the program!

As Nurses Week continues, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank the incredible nurses who care for our communi...
05/10/2026

As Nurses Week continues, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank the incredible nurses who care for our community each and every day.

Your compassion, dedication, and hard work do not go unnoticed. Thank you for all that you do for patients, families, and our community.

At DCLI, we believe education and leadership help shape stronger communities, and nurses play such an important role in both. Through mentorship, teaching, advocacy, and care, nurses impact lives far beyond the bedside every single day.

Happy Nurses Week from all of us at DCLI! 💙

Address

3080 S. Business Route 51
Decatur, IL

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