How to Apply

The next Emerging Leader Program will be in 2027. 

The application period will open in the Summer of 2026.

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 $4,000, 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 2027 Emerging Leader Program application will open on July 1 and close on October 1, 2026. 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, 2026
Interviews: October/November 2026
References due: November 1, 2026
Applicants notified of selection decision: February 2027
ELP kicks off on April 2027

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. 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.
    • What perspectives or experiences would you bring that would add to a diverse cohort?
    • Why is now the right time for you to participate in the GLLA Emerging Leader Program?
  3. You will be asked to submit a 3-5 minute video responding to the following prompts:
    • Share an example of when you were at your best as a leader OR something that represents you as a leader.
    • Choose 1 GLLA Core Value and share why it resonates with you (GLLA Core Values: embrace vulnerability, be humbly confident, appreciate interconnectedness, learn endlessly, and seek the common good).
    • What unique perspective or experience would you bring to this cohort?

 

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

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.