Applying for Leadership South Dakota
The application window for Leadership South Dakota 2023-2024 has closed. Please keep us in mind and revisit us next year to apply for the following year. However, if you’d like to understand more about the application process, below gives more detail and we encourage you to view the rest of our site to learn what Leadership South Dakota is all about.
Application Process
Approximately 40 applicants from around the state will be selected to participate in Leadership South Dakota for the class of 2024. They will join an alumni of more than 400 Leadership South Dakota graduates. Our alumni network is strong and engaged in ongoing events to both network and learn.
Selecting the upcoming class of Leadership South Dakota is both a competitive and difficult process, if you aren’t selected initially, we encourage you to re-apply for the next class.
Below are the session dates for the 10th class of Leadership South Dakota.
| Dates | Location | Notes & Details |
|---|---|---|
| September 13-15, 2023 | Pierre | Orientation and State Government |
| October 18 – 20, 2023 | Brookings | Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Education |
| November 15 – 17, 2023 | Rapid City | Tourism, Military, and Natural Resources |
| January 10 – 12, 2024 | TBD | Rural Initiatives |
| February 7 – 9, 2024 | Mission | Native American History and Culture |
| March 6 – 8, 2024 | Sioux Falls | Health and Financial Systems |
| March 22, 2024 | Chamberlain | Graduation and Program Wrap-up |
Applications for the Leadership South Dakota Class of 2024 will open March 1 and close on April 3, 2023 at 5 PM CDT. All application packets are submitted online. Requirements for the application process include:
- $50 application fee for first time applicants (non-refundable)
- Completed online application form
- Current resume
- Recent headshot
- Uploaded 1 minute video
- Signed Applicant Agreement Form
- Signed Employer Statement
*Please note that there are several long-form questions that will need to be answered on your application. See this document to prepare for those responses. This document is not meant to be filled out, but to be used as a resource for what will be expected.
Instructions
Please read carefully and complete all sections in the application and attach all required documents for your application to be considered complete. The following items must be submitted by April 3, 2023 at 5 PM CDT.
1. Online Application
The online application should be completed and submitted by April 3, 2023 at 5 PM CDT. The application has four sections (Personal Information, Employment Information, Leadership Perspective, and References).
2. Resume
A current resume (no more than two (2) pages) must be uploaded with the application. The resume should include any volunteerism, civic, professional, and personal contributions you have made at the local, state, or national levels.
3. Headshot
Please upload a professional headshot (in JPEG format) of yourself.
4. Personal Video
Upload a one (1) minute video of you introducing yourself to the selection committee, sharing something interesting about yourself, and what excites you about potentially being in the next Leadership SD class.
5. Leadership South Dakota Agreement Form
A completed and signed Leadership South Dakota Agreement Form must be uploaded along with the application.
6. Employer Statement Form
A completed and signed Employer Statement Form from your business or organization indicating their understanding and support of the time commitment of your participation in the Leadership South Dakota Program is required with the application.
7. Tuition
The cost to each participant is $3,500. This does not include travel expenses (transportation to and from session location and hotel expenses). These costs can be covered by your employer or yourself. Tuition is due around August 1 and may be paid as a one-time payment or a fee payment plan may be arranged.
Optional: Tuition Assistance
Applicants requesting partial financial assistance are required to complete and upload the Tuition Assistance Form with the program application.
Other Application Notes
Selection of class members is determined by a committee of corporate sponsors and Leadership SD alumni. Any questions about the application process should be sent to admin@leadershipsouthdakota.com.
We will provide a link once your employer or a Leadership South Dakota corporate sponsor has notified us.
COVID 19 Statement
COVID-19 has impacted how everyone works and that is also true for the Leadership South Dakota organization. And while there have been bright spots in this global pandemic like the vaccine developments, new variants keep us vigilant when it comes to health and safety precautions to ensure the successful operation of our programs. Our primary COVID-19 operating policies are listed below; however, we readily acknowledge information related to the COVID-19 pandemic is dynamic and we will make adjustments as warranted.
Self-monitoring
We ask that every participant monitor your health and any symptoms associated with COVID-19. Should you experience any of the following symptoms (CDC COVID-19 Symptoms List), we request that you notify one of the Leadership South Dakota staff members and recuse yourself from any program activities within the recommended quarantine period.
Commitment to Quality
Our commitment to providing a once-in-a-lifetime leadership development experience has not wavered. We have adjusted for the unique challenges presented by COVID-19, but we have not compromised on the quality of the content, experiences, and key leadership learning. If you have specific questions or concerns related to COVID-19 and are applying for the Leadership South Dakota program, we encourage you to reach out to our director, John Meyer via email – john@leadershipsouthdakota.com.