RALEIGH — The NC Rural Center is accepting applications for the next Homegrown Leaders Central training in Albemarle on April 8-10. Eligible applicants must live in or work in the central North Carolina counties highlighted on the map (above).
Homegrown Leaders is a three-day regional leadership and community economic development training that brings the foundations of the Rural Center’s flagship Rural Economic Development Institute program to rural communities. Participating leaders will gain an understanding of the importance of applying a regional lens to build long-term solutions to common problems and innovative opportunities for growth. Participants will also examine the building blocks of community economic development, learn collaborative leadership skills, explore emotional intelligence, and learn strategies for leading difficult conversations.
“Leadership development has been a core part of our work for more than 35 years,” said NC Rural Center President Patrick Woodie. “And now more than ever, our rural communities need leaders who can connect and collaborate across county lines.”
The application period will be open from February 6 to March 3. Applicants accepted into the program will be notified by March 7, 2025. Accepted applicants will be expected to register and pay the registration fee of $1,000 no later than March 21, 2025. Limited scholarships are available. Training will be held at the Farm Bureau Livestock Arena, 26130 Newt Road, Albemarle, NC 28001.
“We are excited to welcome another group of current and emerging leaders to complete the Homegrown Leaders training and join our extensive network of leadership alumni across the state,” said NC Rural Center Director of Leadership Training Olaunda Green. “By equipping rural leaders, we empower them with the resources needed to have the greatest impact on their communities.”
