Growing Leaders Short Course

The Growing Leaders Short Course is a five-week leadership training program designed to help participants build skills, gain confidence, and work together on a local community development project.

Program Overview

This program is centered around the idea that citizens determine what is best for their community, and planning processes result in better buy-in, adoption of local policies, and implementation of plans.

Who Should Attend the Course

• Individuals who want to continue learning more about themselves, their organizations, and communities.
• Individuals who will invest time and energy by attending the five sessions and working on a project.
• Individuals who are open to broadening their perspectives.
• Individuals who want to build a local network while gaining knowledge of leadership and civic engagement.
• Individuals who want to create the conditions for their organization and community to grow and prosper.

Structure of the Course

Participants attend five separate five-hour sessions every two, three, or four weeks. Sessions can take place at a single location or locations can be rotated within a region. The suggested class size is 10–30 people. Participants will work on a community project as an individual or a group. Tuition for the five sessions is $250 per participant and covers refreshments, meals, and materials. Session topics can be adapted to fit the focus of the community.

Sample Session Topics

• Effective leadership attributes
• Understanding and managing conflict
• Understanding the importance of service and volunteerism
• Effective communication skills
• Understanding how leaders grow and change
• Planning for the future
• Civic engagement
• Understanding the seven capitals of healthy communities
• Creating effective community conversations
• Understanding behavioral styles of individuals

Instructors and Coordination

A local planning committee will work with the coordinator to set the course agenda and recruit participants. Instructors for the sessions are NDSU Extension staff, community and external experts, as well as Rural Leadership North Dakota alumni.

Participant Testimonials

• "High level of excitement at the caliber and quantity of motivated people seeking to ever improve our community" — 2017 short course participant
• "Loved it. Was great to meet new people. Nice to see different perspectives. Now I know I can make a difference." — 2017 short course participant
• "Don't be afraid of failure, just do it!" — 2017 short course participant

North Dakota State University

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Overview:

North Dakota State University (NDSU) is a public, land-grant, research university located in Fargo, North Dakota. It is a top-ranked R1 institution, known for its commitment to student-focused learning and its dedication to research. NDSU provides affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Admission:

NDSU provides comprehensive admission services, including application assistance, financial aid information, and campus visits.

Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.

Campus Life:

NDSU provides a vibrant campus life with various co-curricular activities, dining services, residence life options, and athletic events.

Student Support:

NDSU offers support services such as career advising, counseling, and wellness resources.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU provides ample research opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research projects.

Online Programs:

NDSU offers a variety of online degree programs for students seeking flexible learning options.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in various co-curricular activities, including clubs, organizations, and sports. The university also provides a variety of dining options, residence halls, and recreational facilities.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

NDSU offers an excellent education at an affordable price.

Research Opportunities:

NDSU is a research-intensive university, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.

Hands-on Learning:

NDSU emphasizes hands-on learning, providing students with practical experience in their chosen fields.

Strong Faculty:

NDSU has a strong faculty committed to teaching and mentoring students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

NDSU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community.

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Academic Programs:

NDSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Agriculture and Biological Systems:

NDSU is a leading institution in agriculture and biological systems, with strong programs in areas such as animal science, plant science, and biotechnology.

Engineering and Architecture:

NDSU offers a variety of engineering and architecture programs, including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and architecture.

Health Sciences:

NDSU has a strong presence in health sciences, with programs in areas such as nursing, pharmacy, and public health.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

NDSU offers a variety of humanities and social sciences programs, including English, history, and political science.

Business and Economics:

NDSU has a strong business and economics program, with programs in areas such as accounting, finance, and marketing.

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Other:

NDSU is committed to diversity and inclusion, and it offers a variety of resources and programs to support students from diverse backgrounds. The university also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.