--- title: Leadership South Dakota description: Develop your skills with one of the top leadership programs in South Dakota. Join a class of like-minded SD leaders as you tour the state and develop connections that last a lifetime. --- [Skip to content](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com#main-content) [![Leadership South Dakota](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hubfs/logo-header.svg "Leadership South Dakota")](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/?hsLang=en) [Discover](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com#discover) [Connect](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com#connect) [Do](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com#do) - [Alumni](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/alumni) - [About](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/about) - [Donate](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/giving) - [Apply](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/apply) # GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION OF south dakota leaders Discover Connect Do Discover Connect Do Discover Connect Do Discover Connect Do Discover Connect Do Discover Connect Do Discover Connect Do Discover Connect Do Discover Connect Do Discover Connect Do ## Discover ## Invest In Yourself. Elevate Our State. What you water will grow. Ever heard that one before? Leadership South Dakota works the same way – we’re here to help you grow. This one-of-a-kind experience cultivates and connects budding leaders from all backgrounds, providing a deeper insight into everything South Dakota. ### Grow Your Skills Over the course of eight sessions with your cohort over the year, you’ll expand your comfort zone through intentional leadership training unique to our state.   ![Leadership Development](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/chat.png?width=100&height=100&name=chat.png) ### Leadership Development![arrow](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hubfs/Arrow_Blue.svg) ### Leadership Development Meet and learn from some our state’s most successful community leaders. ![Critical Thinking](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/think.png?width=100&height=100&name=think.png) ### Critical Thinking![arrow](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hubfs/Arrow_Blue.svg) ### Critical Thinking Increase your understanding of our state’s greatest opportunities and challenges. ![Public Speaking](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/speak.png?width=100&height=100&name=speak.png) ### Public Speaking![arrow](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hubfs/Arrow_Blue.svg) ### Public Speaking Improve your public speaking with multiple short presentations throughout the year. ![Networking](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/network.png?width=100&height=100&name=network.png) ### Networking![arrow](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hubfs/Arrow_Blue.svg) ### Networking Grow your network of like-minded peers – and make some lifelong friends along the way. ## Connect ## Oh, the People You’ll Meet Leadership South Dakota isn’t just about what you learn. It’s about the people you meet. Our program brings together like-minded South Dakotans from a wide array of backgrounds. You’ll grow your skills – and your network – with people who share a passion for making a difference. “I’m so grateful to be part of Leadership South Dakota, surrounded by people who dream big, care deeply, and remind me to live with purpose. Experiences like this fuel my soul and keep me moving forward with momentum.” Dr. Melissa Dittberner, Class of 2025 “I’m so grateful to be part of Leadership South Dakota, surrounded by people who dream big, care deeply, and remind me to live with purpose. Experiences like this fuel my soul and keep me moving forward with momentum.” Dr. Melissa Dittberner, Class of 2025 “I’m so grateful to be part of Leadership South Dakota, surrounded by people who dream big, care deeply, and remind me to live with purpose. Experiences like this fuel my soul and keep me moving forward with momentum.” Dr. Melissa Dittberner, Class of 2025 “I’m so grateful to be part of Leadership South Dakota, surrounded by people who dream big, care deeply, and remind me to live with purpose. Experiences like this fuel my soul and keep me moving forward with momentum.” Dr. Melissa Dittberner, Class of 2025 “I’m so grateful to be part of Leadership South Dakota, surrounded by people who dream big, care deeply, and remind me to live with purpose. Experiences like this fuel my soul and keep me moving forward with momentum.” Dr. Melissa Dittberner, Class of 2025 “There isn’t a photo or statement that could sum up what this program meant to me. I’m so thankful for the opportunity, for the places I’ve gone, things I’ve learned and most importantly the people I’ve met.” Liz Schiefen, Class of 2025 “Being part of this group has been such a huge part of my year, meeting new people I’d never have had the motivation to meet, being inspired, and continually seeing inspiration from you all every day.” Matt Knippling, Class of 2025 “The past 7 months have been life changing. The connections we made, experiences we shared, and the growth we had were so amazing! Traci Nord, Class of 2025 “Would highly recommend this to anyone who has thought about applying! The bonds you create and the experiences you have are incredible 👏” Alana Snyder, Class of 2025 “Programs like Leadership SD are how we will continue to build thriving communities in rural South Dakota.” Ashley Geigle, Class of 2025 “Truly one of the most rewarding, enriching, and fun experiences! A great reminder to keep investing in ourselves.” Kately Ulrich, Class of 2025 "Best Leadership Program I have ever been a part of 🙂" Terry Liggins, Class of 2025 “I can’t say enough good things about the people I’ve met, places I’ve gotten to visit, and what I’ve learned about myself.” Arica Kulm, Class of 2025 “This program showed me the amazing world class companies and leaders we have in the state, and really gave me a new appreciation and pride that I didn’t previously have.” Kimberly Lofgren, Class of 2025 “You never know where this experience will take us and the great people we meet along the way.” Dave Rogers, Class of 2025 “I’m beyond grateful for this experience and the incredible people I've met along the way. It’s been an unforgettable journey, and I’ll carry these lessons and connections with me always.” Jamie Boetcher, Class of 2025 ## Get to Know South Dakota’s Great Faces See past graduating classes and what they’re up to today. [Meet Our Alumni](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/alumni?hsLang=en) ![Group Photo of a Leadership SD Class](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hubfs/Homepage/ldrsd_0.0_homepage_twocolumn_630x484_3_480.jpg "Group Photo of a Leadership SD Class") ## Do ## Getting Started Ready to grow as a leader and make lasting connections? The application window for our next class runs until April 7, 2026 at 6PM CT. Please read the sections below on what you'll need to apply and click the button when you're ready to begin! [Apply](https://app.leadershipsouthdakota.com/apply) ### Application and Admission #### Application Process Approximately 40 applicants from around the state will be selected to participate in Leadership South Dakota for the class of 2027 as a cohort of go-getters and change-makers for our state.  Selecting the upcoming class of Leadership South Dakota is both a competitive and difficult process, and if you aren’t selected initially, we encourage you to re-apply for the next class. Many past participants have applied more than once to get into the program. Applications for the Leadership South Dakota Class of 2026 will open **March 1 and close on April 7, 2026 at 6 PM CT**. All application packets are submitted online. Requirements for the application process include: - Completed online application form - Current resume - Recent headshot - $25 application fee for first time applicants (non-refundable) - Uploaded 1 minute video *\*Please note that there are several long-form questions that will need to be answered on your application, so expect to spend approx. thirty minutes to an hour on it. You will be able to save your application in progress with an email and return to complete it later. * This cohort will spend 48 hours per month with each other during their session in a different part of South Dakota. There are 6 full sessions as part of the program and one one-day graduation session upon conclusion of the program. Because the experience builds month to month, participants are expected to attend all sessions. The session dates are listed below on our website and within the application itself. #### Instructions Please read carefully and complete all sections in the application and provide all required documents for your application to be considered complete. The following items must be submitted by **April 7, 2026,** at **6 PM CT.** ##### Online Application The [online application](https://app.leadershipsouthdakota.com/apply) should be completed and submitted by Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6 PM CDT. The application has four sections (Personal Information, Employment Information, Introduction, and Leadership Questions). ##### Resume A current resume (no more than two pages) must be uploaded within the application. Along with standard employment and educational history, the resume should include any volunteerism, civic, professional, and personal contributions you have made at the local, state, or national levels. Community involvement is a plus to our committee so don't forget to add all you're involved in outside of work! ##### Headshot Upload a professional headshot (in .PNG or .JPEG format) of yourself within the application platform. Please use the largest file size available for headshot uploads, preferred dimensions are 1000 pixels by 1000 pixels. ##### Personal Video Upload a video introducing yourself to the selection committee within the application platform. Specifically, pick up your phone and record a casual video that is no more than 60 seconds long answering this question: 1. What is your superpower? (What do you do better than anyone else?) And how have you applied it in your leadership journey so far? ##### Acknowledgement Forms This section includes all forms regarding your involvement in the program: from the attendance policy to the media release to employer support and all the other details to ensure a safe and successful program experience. You must thoroughly review each policy and/or release provided and complete each certification in order to have your application considered for acceptance into the program. #### Tuition Program tuition for each participant is $3,500. This does not include travel expenses (transportation to and from session location and hotel expenses for each session). These costs can be covered by your employer or yourself. Tuition is due September 1, 2026 and may be paid as a one-time payment, or a payment plan may be arranged if you are accepted into the program. *Optional: Tuition Assistance* Please note that a limited number of scholarships are available for both tuition and/or travel expenses. Applicants requesting financial assistance are simply required to complete and upload the [Tuition and Travel Assistance Form](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/LSD-AssistancerRequestForm2023.pdf?hsLang=en) within the application. Our scholarships are available thanks to our generous alumni network! #### Other Notes Selection of class members is determined by a committee of Leadership SD alumni and will be announced by May 29. Any questions about the application process should be sent to [application@leadershipsouthdakota.com](mailto:admin@leadershipsouthdakota.com). ### 2025-26 Class Schedule So, what do you actually do? Great question. Over the course of seven months, you’ll go behind-the-scenes with leaders, industries, and communities around the state. For 48 hours you'll be immersed within a South Dakota region. Pierre ### Sep 23-25, 2026 ![arrow](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hubfs/Arrow_White.svg) Learn how the state’s leadership works from the people who run it. Rapid City ### Oct 21-23, 2026 ![arrow](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hubfs/Arrow_White.svg) Dive into the widespread benefits of tourism and see the impact of the state’s military.Gain valuable insight into the state’s top industry – agriculture. Brookings ### Nov 18-20, 2026 ![arrow](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hubfs/Arrow_White.svg) Gain valuable insight into some of the state’s top industries, agriculture and manufacturing. Vermillion ### Jan 13-15, 2027 ![arrow](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hubfs/Arrow_White.svg) Explore growth and opportunity in rural communities and unique perspectives from a Hutterite colony. Mission ### Feb 10-12, 2027 ![arrow](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hubfs/Arrow_White.svg) Better understand Native American history, culture, and tribal government in one of the states nine reservations. Sioux Falls ### Mar 10-12, 2027 ![arrow](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hubfs/Arrow_White.svg) Hear from leaders in health care systems and financial industry. ### Interested in Applying? Sign up for our notifications about the next application window. Subscribe ​ ### Class of 2026 Sponsors ![Marsh McLennan Agency](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_MMA.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_MMA.png) ![Market Beat](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_MB.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_MB.png) ![Valley Queen](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_VQ.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_VQ.png) ![Black Hills Energy](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_BHE.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_BHE.png) ![Pinnacle Productions](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_InKind_170x100_PIN.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_InKind_170x100_PIN.png) ![Midco](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Bronze_170x100_Midco.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Bronze_170x100_Midco.png) ![Dakota Resources](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_InKind_170x100_DR.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_InKind_170x100_DR.png) ![Boyce Law Firm LLC](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_InKind_170x100_BOYCE.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_InKind_170x100_BOYCE.png) ![Poet](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_POET.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_POET.png) ![Lawrence and Schiller](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_InKind_170x100_LS.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_InKind_170x100_LS.png) ![Sammons Financial](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_SF.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_SF.png) ![marco](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Bronze_170x100_Marco.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Bronze_170x100_Marco.png) ![Avera](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_Avera.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_Avera.png) ![First Interstate Bank](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_FIB.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_FIB.png) ![Monument Health](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_MH.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_MH.png) ![ViaFlex](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Bronze_170x100_VF.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Bronze_170x100_VF.png) ![North Western Energy](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Bronze_170x100_NWE.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Bronze_170x100_NWE.png) ![First Premier Bank](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Gold_170x100_FPB.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Gold_170x100_FPB.png) ![South Dakota Communications Foundation](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Bronze_170x100_SDCF.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Bronze_170x100_SDCF.png) ![SDN Communications](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_SDN.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_SDN.png) ![South Dakota Trust Company](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_SDTC.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Silver_170x100_SDTC.png) ![Sanford Health](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Gold_170x100_SH.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Gold_170x100_SH.png) ![Daktronics](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Homepage/LDRSD_Sponsors_Bronze_170x100_DAK.png?width=170&height=100&name=LDRSD_Sponsors_Bronze_170x100_DAK.png) ### Contact us ![John Meyer Executive Director](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ldrsd_johnmeyer_300x300_360.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=ldrsd_johnmeyer_300x300_360.jpg) ##### John Meyer ###### Executive Director [john@leadershipsouthdakota.com](mailto:john@leadershipsouthdakota.com) ![Morgan Larson Communications Manager](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ldrsd_morganlarson_300x300_360.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=ldrsd_morganlarson_300x300_360.jpg) ##### Morgan Larson ###### Program & Communications Manager [morgan@leadershipsouthdakota.com](mailto:morgan@leadershipsouthdakota.com) [![Leadership South Dakota](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/hubfs/logo-header.svg "Leadership South Dakota")](https://leadershipsouthdakota.com/?hsLang=en) [Admin@LeadershipSouthDakota.com](mailto:Admin@LeadershipSouthDakota.com) P.O. 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