Rural Economic Development Institute
The North Carolina Rural Economic Development Institute is a leadership development program that provides participants with the knowledge, skills and insights they need to bring about positive change in today's challenging economic environment. This program has been a fundamental part of the Rural Center's overall program since 1989.
By participating in the institute, rural leaders have the opportunity to:
- increase their understanding of the latest strategies in economic and community development.
- improve their leadership and team-building skills.
- understand more about resources available to their communities and how to take advantage of them.
- learn the fundamentals of long-range strategic planning and how to make it work.
- receive books and materials they can refer to for years to come.
- join a network of rural leaders who regularly share information and experience.
- become energized and motivated for the task ahead.
The institute consists of nine days of classes over a three-month period every spring. Each three-day session includes lectures, discussions, learn-by-doing exercises, meals and socials. Sessions run from Wednesday afternoon through Friday afternoon. During the days between sessions, participants complete homework assignments and test out their new skills in their home communities.
Graduation ceremonies are held during a formal luncheon on the last day of class. The luncheon gives participants the opportunity to celebrate three months of intensive work, professional growth and a network of new friends and colleagues.
A Distinctive Approach
The Rural Economic Development Institute offers:
A comprehensive approach to economic development. The program encompasses all aspects of economic development -- business development, workforce development, physical infrastructure and civic and social infrastructure. In each of these areas, participants explore critical issues, emerging trends and promising strategies.
A high quality curriculum. The program employs a curriculum that reflects current information on issues, trends, data, resources and cutting-edge theory and practice in leadership, strategic planning and emerging technologies.
An extensive recruitment and selections process. The center recruits both individuals with a high level of commitment and a class that reflects the diversity of rural North Carolina in terms of geography, race, gender, institutional setting, and leadership roles.
A focus on cohesion. The diverse class provides a forum for rural leaders to discuss issues from varying perspectives, explore regional and cultural differences, and problem-solve ways to overcome the barriers of race, age, and socioeconomic status that are obstacles to economic and community development.
Residential training. In this living-learning environment, participants develop a network of professional relationships and friendships that is fundamental to generating and sustaining rural development initiatives.
Practical application learning. The training sessions and homework assignments afford participants opportunities to practice new leadership skills and apply what they learn to the problems and issues in their communities.
A participatory learning process. The institute brings people and knowledge together through a participatory learning process that is stimulating, challenging and fun. "Faculty" is divided into three groups:
- The Participants Themselves. Leaders learn from one another. Throughout the institute, participants share information and experience and challenge one another to new ways of thinking.
- State and Regional Resources. The institute features dynamic presenters from a range of academic institutions and economic and community development organizations.
- Resident Trainers. The institute's in-house faculty includes individuals with extensive background in leadership training and community economic development.
Who Should Attend
The institute is designed for rural leaders who are active in decision-making roles in their communities. Elected and appointed officials, business men and women, professional staff in economic and community development and civic and grassroots leaders are encouraged to apply.
Space is limited to 30 participants in each session. In the selection process, consideration is given to diversity of leadership roles, geographic area, cultural background and gender.Cost
Each participant (or participant’s employer or sponsoring organization) pays $495 for tuition, which does not include hotel or transportation costs. Tuition payment is due after selection and prior to the beginning of the institute. A limited number of scholarships are available for cases of hardship.
Housing
The institute is a residential program. A block of rooms is reserved at an area hotel for participants. After selection, information on hotel arrangements will be provided to each participant.
How To Apply
To be considered for the program, individuals must complete and return an application form. Forms are subject to change each year. Interested individuals should contact the Rural Center by early December to be placed on the mailing list to receive an application package.
Click here to download a .pdf version of the 2008 application form.
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Rural Center Contact
Robin Pulver
Vice President for Community and Human Resource Development
N.C. Rural Economic Development Center
4021 Carya Drive
Raleigh, NC 27610
Telephone: 919-250-4314
Fax: 919-250-4325
E-Mail: rpulver@ncruralcenter.org
