How to Apply

The application period for ELP 2025 has closed.

We invite YOU to become part of this very special group of leaders who will learn about themselves, develop their leadership potential, and share their knowledge around a broad range of issues affecting our quality of life in Michigan and beyond!

The Emerging Leader Program is delivered over a six-month period, with three, three-day sessions. Program focus is on developing individual and organizational leadership skills and applying those skills in a collaborative fashion. The program provides both classroom-based and experiential learning and is an outgrowth of the Natural Resource Leadership Project that has been conducted by the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources since 2002.

Tuition for the Emerging Leader Program is $3,500, which includes all meals, lodging and materials. Individuals will be required to cover their own transportation to and from the meeting sites. Your employer may be willing to assist with all or a portion of your tuition. Limited scholarships are also available from the Great Lakes Leadership Academy, based on need.

  1. The 2025 Emerging Leader Program application will open on July 1 and close on October 1, 2024. If you would like to be added to our recruitment list, please email us at glla@msu.edu
  2. When the application is available, complete the online application form.
  3. Applications are reviewed and individual interviews are scheduled with invited candidates.
  4. Due to the limited participant capacity and the need for a diverse composition of participants in any given group, not all qualified candidates are chosen. Individuals are strongly encouraged to re-apply in subsequent years.

Timeline:

Application deadline: October 1, 2024
Interviews: October/November 2024
References due: November 1, 2024
Applicants notified of selection decision: February 2025
ELP kicks off on April 14, 2025

Application Checklist:

Here are some tips on information you will need and/or materials you can prepare before going online to complete your Great Lakes Leadership Academy application. This application

  1. Secure support for your time and financial commitment to the program from:
    • Your employer and/or business partner (if applicable). Determine if they are willing to provide financial assistance for your participation in the program.
    • Your spouse/partner (if applicable).
  2. Compile:
    • A list of schools attended, approximate dates of attendance and degrees, certificates, or diplomas awarded.
    • An employment record including dates of employment, job title, and a description of work.
    • A list of three references including name and email address.
  3. Consider these short answer/essay type questions that you will find on the application. It may be helpful to first compose your answers, and then cut and paste the answers into the online application form. Kindly limit your responses to 200 words per question.
    • How did you hear about the Great Lakes Leadership Academy? 
    • What inspired you to apply for the Emerging Leader Program? 
    • In what ways do you see yourself as a leader - both at work and outside of work? 
    • Describe a time when you were at your personal best leading others.
    • What are your expectations for how the Great Lakes Leadership Academy may help you achieve your goals personally and professionally, as well as in your community?

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

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If you have further questions or concerns about the application process, contact us at glla@msu.edu

MSU is an Affirmative-Action, Equal-Opportunity Employer. Michigan State University Extension program and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.

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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

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