Applying for Leadership South Dakota
Thanks for your interest. The application window for Leadership South Dakota Class of 2026 is now closed. The application window and session dates for the class of 2027 will be released in March of 2026.
Want more details before embarking on the application submission process? Check out the application overview and submission criteria below.
Application Process
Approximately 40 applicants from around the state will be selected to participate in Leadership South Dakota for the class of 2025.
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. Many participants have applied more than once to get into the program.
Below are the session dates for the next class of Leadership South Dakota. Note that participants are allowed to miss the equivalent of one session without any graduation eligibility discussions. *dates are subject to change
| Dates | Location | Session Themes |
|---|---|---|
| September 17 – 19, 2025 | Pierre | Orientation & State Government |
| October 15 – 17, 2025 | Brookings | Agriculture & Manufacturing |
| November 19 – 21, 2025 | Rapid City | Tourism & Military |
| January 14 – 16, 2026 | Aberdeen | Rural South Dakota |
| February 11 – 13, 2026 | Mission | Native American Culture |
| March 11 – 13, 2026 | Sioux Falls | Health & Financial Systems |
| March 27, 2026 | Chamberlain | Graduation and Program Wrap-up |
Applications for the Leadership South Dakota Class of 2026 will open March 1 and close on April 7, 2025 at 5 PM CDT. All application packets are submitted online. Requirements for the application process include:
- Completed online application form
- Current resume
- Recent headshot
- $50 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.
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, 2025, at 5 PM CDT.
1. Online Application
The online application should be completed and submitted by Monday, April 7, 2025 at 5 PM CDT. The application has four sections (Personal Information, Employment Information, Introduction, and Leadership Questions).
2. Resume
A current resume (no more than two (2) 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.
3. 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 px x 1000 px.
4. 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 only one (1) of the questions below, your choice:
-
- What is your superpower? (What do you do better than anyone else?)
- Who is your favorite leader and why?
- What is your favorite book and why?
5. 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.
6. Tuition
The cost to 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, 2025 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 within the application.
Other Application Notes
Selection of class members is determined by a committee of Leadership SD alumni and will be announced by June 2. Any questions about the application process should be sent to application@leadershipsouthdakota.com.
Health Policy
The success of the Leadership South Dakota program is centered around a cohort of 40 individuals from across the state, who spend lots of time face-to-face each month exploring everything our great state has to offer. With this format in mind, we ask that all participants monitor their health and report any illness symptoms that may impact the health of themselves or others. We encourage class members to visit the Centers of Disease Control website regarding illness warning signs, symptoms, and recommended course of action.
In the event you are sick, we request that you notify Leadership South Dakota staff members and recuse yourself from any program activities within the recommended quarantine period for your illness to keep the heath of your fellow class members and guests that we visit during the session.