Leadership Advancement Program 2024

We invite YOU to join fellow changemakers who aspire to tackle issues and imagine what's possible. During the full-year program, you will cultivate trust through deep learning as you prepare for immersive experiences across Michigan and abroad. The Leadership Advancement Program (LAP) is designed for current and rising leaders in diverse industries of agriculture, natural resources, environment, and manufacturing, as well as individuals involved in community development and federal, state, local and Tribal government.

The Leadership Advancement Program (LAP) is an action-packed, year-long program that includes: 2 classroom intensives, 3 community-based regional experiences, 2 virtual cohort projects, and 1 international travel experience to South Africa. The LAP is designed for leaders who are committed to strengthening their leadership skills and empowering their communities and organizations to lead for the common good. This transformational leadership experience offers a mixed approach to learning designed around meaningful reflection and application. We will explore complex issues related to agriculture, natural resources, community development, conservation, food systems, sustainability, agribusiness and more.

The Leadership Advancement Program is an all-inclusive experience. The $6,000 tuition covers comprehensive educational materials designed and delivered by experts as well as the cost of all meals, lodging, international travel and airfare. The value of the program for each individual is over three times the cost of tuition. Individuals are responsible for their transportation to and from the Michigan meeting sites. As an investment in your professional development, your employer may be willing to assist with all or a portion of your tuition. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available.

Application Timeline

Application deadline: September 1, 2023
Candidate Interviews: Mid and Late September 2023
Applicants notified of selection decision: November 2023

Program Timeline

Virtual Orientation
Date: February 1, 2024

Classroom Intensive
Dates: February 12-14, 2024

Classroom Intensive
Dates: March 4-6, 2024

Virtual Session
Date: May 2, 2024

Regional Experience: Agriculture and Food Systems
Dates: June 24-26, 2024

Regional Experience: Community Development
Dates: August 5-7, 2024

Regional Experience: Conservation, Natural Resource, and Environment
Dates: September 9-11, 2024

Virtual Session
Date: November 7, 2024

Capstone Travel Experience to South Africa
Dates: January 10-21, 2025

Graduation
Dates: February 3-5, 2025

Please hold all dates on your calendar. If selected, you are required to attend all listed LAP sessions.

The application automatically saves when you complete one page and go to the next page. If you need to pause and complete the application at a later time, you may do so by typing any text into each required box and clicking through to the end. You will then receive an automated confirmation message with a link to retrieve and edit your application. All applications must be completed by September 1, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET.