Marshall County Lifelong Learning Network, MC LLN: Creating a Strategic Plan to Inspire Lifelong Learning in Marshall County

"We are so greatly appreciative of the work that enFocus has done. They are a top notch organization that is making a real impact in our region. We look forward to continuing our work with them to become the nonprofit we strive to be!"   -Allie Shook, Executive Director, Marshall County LLN

Background

The Marshall County Lifelong Learning Network (LLN) was founded in 1998 to provide career and technical education (CTE)  for high school youth. In 2021, the organization sought to broaden its scope to meet community needs by providing inclusive educational opportunities ranging from early childhood through adulthood. Today, they are committed to providing a lifelong continuum of engaging educational experiences that are affordable, accessible and relevant to residents and employees in Marshall County.  

Opportunity

LLN wanted to understand how to expand programming to include early childhood education, robust career and technical educational programs, and adult workforce development. Marshall County's need for program expansion was aimed at improving quality of life, community belonging, economic stability and expansion, and wellness.

Engagement

enFocus first assisted with the search for the new LLN Executive Director, Allie Shook. Then LLN and enFocus in partnership embarked on a strategic planning initiative to understand community needs and develop strategic priorities to support resident life long learning. enFocus and LLN convened community leaders across education, industry, and city government as Executive Committee members to jointly create a strategic plan for Marshall County’s future success. Community partners, LLN, and enFocus have now secured funding to act on their strategic vision and implement new programming resources.

Results

• Set LLN’s aim to become a clearinghouse for all educational information and programs in Marshall County.

• Conducted financial analysis and created a budget forecast tool to inform the annual budget process.

• Facilitated three LLN Executive Committee meetings, where strategic plan initiatives, a business model canvas, and financial analysis were presented and approved.

• Adopted by Executive Committee, a 3-year strategic and business plan with annual business goals and objectives, baseline performance indicators, and targets to guide the 2023 LLN annual evaluation.

• Helped to secure a $22,500 Marshall County Community Foundation grant to assist with implementation of the strategic plan.