Program Overview

The Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program (ALP) provides individuals involved in agriculture and related industries and those who serve rural communities with the opportunity to improve leadership skills, gain understanding and develop the expertise needed to provide leadership in public affairs for their businesses and communities. It is a highly acclaimed professional development opportunity for leaders at all career stages, and is celebrating more than 25 years of building leadership capacity.

Program Purpose

AgrIInstitute sponsors ALP in order to create a cadre of self-assured, highly motivated, professionals who possess the leadership capacity to serve Indiana agriculture and rural communities in public affairs at the local, state, national and international levels.

Program Content

To accomplish this purpose, the program combines 10 seminars (calendar) and two travel opportunities that allow participants to develop effective leadership skills and analyze public issues from various perspectives.

Throughout the program, class members broaden their understanding of all aspects of social, economic, political and cultural issues; expand their network; and participate in group and individual projects that reinforce learning and have direct applications.

Travel study seminars, which include a week in Washington D.C. and approximately two weeks of international study, allow class members to increase exposure to national and international leaders, gain understanding of world issues and cultures, and see firsthand the impact globalization is having on countries across the development spectrum. Seminar facilitators and speakers are experts and opinion leaders from business, industry, and academia.

Participation Cost

A tuition fee of $3,500 is required for each participant in the Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program. To keep the program affordable for all possible participants, this represents less than 25% of the overall program cost of $15,000 per participant, the balance being made up by donors and fundraising. All group travel, meals, lodging, and program materials are included in the tuition fee.

Next, read about program eligibility and the application process using the tabs above.

Eligibility

Candidate Qualities

Each Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program Class will be limited to 30 participants. Applicants must be committed to furtherance of the agricultural industry and rural communities and be a U.S. citizen and an Indiana resident at the time of application.

Applicants must demonstrate leadership qualities and potential as evidenced by community, political or organizational activities. An applicant's character, reputation and personal life (as evidenced by references or by inquiry) must be of the highest quality, reflecting potential leadership capability. Although there are no specific academic requirements, applicants must be able to demonstrate potential to contribute meaningfully to seminar sessions and perform outside assignments as required throughout the two-year program.

Candidate Selection

Applicants are evaluated by an independent selection committee, which represents a cross section of ALP graduates, donors and supporters, on their ability to communicate (written and verbal) their reasons for wanting to participate in the program; their understanding of industry trends and issues; their ability to serve in leadership roles; and that the nature of their interest in leadership service expands beyond self-interest and narrow perspectives.

Full consideration will be given to all applicants, regardless of age, gender, race or occupation. Every effort will be made to select a class, based on the applicant pool, which is representative of the entire agricultural industry, its diversity and rural community interests. Applicants selected from the initial review will be invited to participate in a personal interview. And from this, the selection committee will make its final recommendations.

Candidate Expectations

Attendance is mandatory with the exception of extreme emergencies. All applicants must commit to 100% attendance at all scheduled seminars. An applicant who is not self-employed must have employer approval. Self-employed applicant must establish their ability to be away from their enterprise for all scheduled seminars.

Application

Are you committed to developing your leadership capacities for more effective service to the agricultural industry or rural community? Do you want to help shape public policies of the future? If you have the commitment, the enthusiasm, the knowledge, and the desire, you may be a candidate for this leadership development opportunity.

Class 15 Deadlines

• Application Deadline — January 2012
• Selection Process — February 2012
• Class Announcement — March 2012

Class application coming in 2011.