Application and Nomination

The application window for Class X is March 10 - June 15, 2023.

Nominations

Do you know someone who should be a part of a dedicated and talented network of leaders across our great state?
Nominate them to be part of the next RLND class.

Application Information

The application, essay questions, and self-evaluation can be completed online. Applicants can request an application packet that can be downloaded and mailed. The online Employer Release will need to be filled out by your employer and submitted to the RLND Office. At least three recommendation forms (available as an online form to send to your reference) are required for each candidate. The Memorandum of Understanding and your resume can be signed virtually and emailed or mailed by the application deadline. All materials are kept confidential.

Eligibility Requirements

• You must have lived or worked in North Dakota for at least one year.
• If you are not self-employed, your employer must approve that you can invest the required time to attend all seminars and are able to be away from communications during the seminar hours. Those who are self-employed must be able to be away from their businesses and the required communication during seminar hours.

Selection Process

Each RLND Class is selected by a committee of RLND Council members and the final selection is approved by the RLND Program Director. All applicants will have an in-person interview in your region. The selection process is highly competitive. Up to 25 participants are chosen for each class. Applicants are notified of the selection results in early July. Please notify the RLND office if you have changes in address, email address, or telephone numbers listed on your application.

Program Commitment

Each RLND Class is 18 months long, with no less than 21 days in year one and 24 days in year two of required time and attendance. Your commitment to the program includes attendance at all seminars. There are 7 multi-day seminars held throughout North Dakota, plus three travel seminars: five days in Minneapolis,  six days in Washington, D.C., and ten days in a foreign country (plus two travel days). The cost to each participant is $4,000. Since the total cost for each participant is around $16,000, investments from alumni, stakeholders and grants help offset the cost to the participants. 

Each participant is expected to fulfill the following commitments:

• To attend all resident and travel seminars
• To assume leadership responsibility
• To participate in post-graduate leadership activities

Application Steps – The application window for Class 10 is March 10 – June 15, 2023. Please click on each link to answer the appropriate questions. 

1. Complete the General Application
2. Complete the Application Essay Questions
3. Complete the Self-Evaluation
4. Upload your resume
5. Send the Recommendation Form to two references. If you are self-employed, please send to three references.
6. If you are not self-employed: your employer will need to sign and complete the Employer Support Agreement and a Recommendation Form. An agreement and recommendation will be emailed directly to your employer using the information you provide on the General Application. 
   RLND Employer Release
7. Sign the Memorandum of Understanding and email it to ndsu.ruralleadership@ndsu.edu.
   RLND MOU
8. In person interviews will be held early June across the state.

If you would like an alternative format for this application, please call RLND at (701) 361-0869 or email us at ndsu.ruralleadership@ndsu.edu.