SDARL Application:

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership program has seven basic qualifications:

    • Men and women approximately aged 25 – 55 years

    • Employment in production agriculture, agriculture-related occupations, or community/rural development

    • U.S. Citizen or permanent resident

    • Live in South Dakota or have demonstrated a sphere of influence that benefits South Dakota agriculture and rural communities

    • Demonstrated leadership experience

    • Potential for future leadership growth

    • Commitment by the individual, spouse/partner if applicable, and employer to attend all seminars, pay tuition, and abide by SDARL policies.

  • MANDATORY ATTENDANCE

    The ability to attend and participate in seminar learning experiences is a necessary part of the selection criteria. Because attendance is required, please check the dates of the Class XII seminars (listed below) before you apply to ensure your availability to attend. In total, the SDARL commitment includes about 50 days away from home in the 18-month program

    FAMILY AND EMPLOYER SUPPORT

    Applicants must document to the satisfaction of the selection committee that his/her full participation in the SDARL program is supported both at home and at work. A signed agreement is required stating that spouse/partner (if applicable) and employer (if not self-employed) understand the time requirements for participation, and support the applicant’s candidacy.

    ADDITIONAL STUDY

    Applicants must demonstrate during the interview process their ability to participate meaningfully in academic seminars, outside reading, seminar leadership duties, written assignments, and thorough self-expression. In addition, those chosen must support and abide by all policies, rules, and regulations of the South Dakota Agricultural and Rural Leadership Board of Directors. There are no specific education prerequisites for selection.

  • The application and accompanying forms are considered by a selection committee comprised of SDARL graduates, affiliates, and staff, which will interview eligible applicants and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors as to which applicants should be selected for a class. The SDARL Board of Directors votes to approve members of each class.

    All complete applications will be considered, regardless of gender, race, religion, creed, disability, age, marital status, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or national origin.

    Almost all of the applicants who apply for a class are “qualified” to be in the class, but there is a limited number of seats available. SDARL is looking for applicants who are receptive to experiential learning, have shown some signs of accepting leadership positions, and are dedicated to a career that advances agriculture and rural community development.

    Other considerations for selection include:

    • Except in rare cases, close relatives (spouse, brother/sister) will not be selected for the same class.

    • The number of participants from the same organization or business entity in one class, or consecutive classes, may be limited.

    • It is the goal of the SDARL Board of Directors to have a majority of each class “hands-on” in a production agriculture occupation, and each class should have diversity among the types of production.

  • Selection for each new class begins in odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, etc.) following this general time frame. The next application period will begin in January 2025:

    JANUARY

    Applications open

    MARCH

    Applications due

    APRIL/MAY

    Interviews with eligible applicants at various locations throughout the state

    JUNE

    Board of Directors selects class, class members notified, public announcement of class members

    NOVEMBER

    First seminar meeting for new SDARL class

  • There is no cost to apply to the program. If selected, there is a class member tuition fee of $4,500.

    SDARL pays for hotel rooms when part of a seminar, airfare to and from the National and International Seminars, bus transportation during a seminar, and most meals incurred during seminars.

    The cost of getting to and from each seminar or a hub airport is not included in class member tuition. There may be some meals not paid by SDARL, transportation or other minor incidental costs, and gratuities for professional drivers and tour guides. Participants will be notified in advance of these occasions.

    Class member tuition covers approximately 20 percent of the total cost to provide the program, with the balance paid by corporations and associations who share our vision for strong leadership, and alumni and supporters of SDARL. Financial assistance may be available to help those selected offset their tuition.

  • SDARL is pleased to offer undergraduate or graduate-level non-degree-seeking academic credit to program participants through South Dakota State University. Three hours of credit are available at a reduced tuition rate. In addition to the SDARL curriculum, participants will have academic requirements including research papers, web posts, and a presentation.

    Class members may request continuing education credit for SDARL seminars through the governing body of their accreditation institution. Class members are solely responsible for verifying that the SDARL program meets the criteria for their certification.

  • More questions? Contact SDARL directly.