Each year the Nebraska LEAD Program solicits applications for the upcoming two year program. Technically, one cannot be nominated for membership in the  Nebraska LEAD Program, however, names are requested from alumni, agricultural leaders, friends and neighbors of potential applicants. 

These individuals are then sent a letter notifying them of their nomination. They are then requested in the letter of notification to take one of three alternative course of action. These alternatives include: requesting an application packet from the Nebraska LEAD Office, requesting that their name be left on the active list in the Nebraska LEAD Office but not request an application packet at this time or to ask that their name be removed from the active list in the office. 

Many individuals have simply heard about LEAD from one source or another and directly request an application packet from the LEAD Office. 

In either case, the application deadline is always June 15 of the year of consideration. See "participant selection criteria guidelines" below for further details.

The following criteria will be considered in determining eligibility and in selecting the program participants: 

1. Applicants will be actively involved in farming, ranching or business closely related to agriculture. The main source of income must come from these occupations. Men or women are equally encouraged to participate in the Nebraska LEAD Program. 

• Category I: In normal occupational endeavors, applicant must derive a majority income as an owner, operator, employee, officer or director of a farming/ranching operation or major division of a corporation which is a direct result of the production of agricultural commodities (crops and livestock, etc.)

• Category II: In normal occupational endeavors, applicant must devote a majority of time and derive a majority of income from the business of buying from, selling to, providing education, and/or service to farmers, ranchers and persons or organizations engaged in production agriculture.

2. Preference will be give to applicants who have at least 3 years Nebraska residency immediately prior to applying.

3.  No two members of the same immediate family will be selected to tbe in the program at the same time. (Immediate family will be defined to include: spouse, brothers/sisters, sons/daughters and parents). NALC Board of Directors and committee members, their spouses, brothers/sisters, children and parents are ineligible for the program while serving on the Board or on a committe.
4. Leadership ability and potential will be considered in the selection of participants. This will include evidence of the applicant's community, political or organizational activities. It will also include the ability to influence others as evidenced by degree to which the applicant is respected, recognized, or held in esteem by colleagues. 
5. Consideration will be given to the interest and willingness of the applicant to commit the necessary time, energy, and finances to the program. A minimum of 29 days the first year and 37 days the second year will be required plus travel time to seminars and for seminar preparation. Most seminars are scheduled from Thursday-Saturday or Sunday-Tuesday. 
6. Applicant must document to the satisfaction of the selection committee that he/she will be able to be away from the farm, ranch, business and/or home as required for full participation in the program. A document may be required stating that spouse, employer, partners or other persons with a vested interest understand the time requirements for participation and support the applicant's candidacy. 
7. Applicant will demonstrate his/her commitment to and understanding of issues affecting agriculture and rural communities through responses on the application and during the selection interview. 
8. The applicant's ability to participate meaningfully in academic seminars, outside reading, written assignments, and through self-expression will be considered in the selection. 
9. The applicant will support and abide by all policies, rules and regulations of the  Board of Directors of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council..