INTRODUCTION:
Established in 1981, the Nebraska LEAD (Leadership Education/Action Development) Program is a statewide agricultural leadership development program designed to develop people. With initial three year grant funding from the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, the program is under the direction of the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, Inc. Initially co-sponsored by representatives of Nebraska agriculture, Agriculture Builders of Nebraska, Inc, and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln,  the program is supported today by Nebraska's leading individuals, businesses, organizations and institutions of higher education.  Virtually every institution of higher education in Nebraska, both public and private, provide necessary in-kind support as host institutions for twelve in-state seminars.

The Nebraska LEAD Program is designed to increase knowledge and understanding of economics and social changes affecting agriculture and rural areas. It strives to develop problem solving, decision making and communication skills and abilities that are necessary for agriculturalists to address today's complex problems. It also encourages practical application of leadership skills and abilities necessary to represent agriculture at all levels.

THE PROGRAM:
The Nebraska LEAD Program is a statewide program and involves the selection each year of up to 30 'fellows'. Since a new group starts each year and continues for two years, there are always two groups running concurrently. The program conducts twelve in-state seminars each year. They are held at public and private colleges and universities across Nebraska as well as in other locations. Presenters are from the ten cooperating colleges and universities, and from the public and private sector, including corporate executives and government officials. Content, essential to leadership, addresses economics, government, human relations, communications, international trade, sociology, religion, education, labor, the arts, fiscal and monetary policy, business, industry, and social-cultural understanding and more. 

During the first year, participants in the Nebraska  LEAD Program  study local, state, and national issues which culminates in a ten-day study/travel seminar to three major U.S. cities. Meetings with representatives in government and business provide an object-lesson to complement the year's seminar study. The study/travel provides participants with practical, first-hand exposure and experiences to the varied social, political and economic conditions that exist in this country. 

In the second year, the in-state seminar curriculum is directed toward international study. The culmination of the second year's study is an international study/travel seminar. Considering that many of the world's most critical problems interact directly with agriculture -- population expansion, increasing food deficiencies, international trade dependencies, energy concerns -- the international study/travel seminar is deemed invaluable in developing informed and knowledgeable agricultural leadership. 

PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS:
Participants in the program come from every sector of agriculture and every part of Nebraska. A basic requirement is that of the fellows selected in each class (in the general age range of 25-50), approximately two-thirds will be active farmers/ranchers, while one-third will be selected from agribusiness occupations. Applicants provide extensive information about themselves, their families, and business and organization affiliations. They must establish a sound reason for wanting to be involved and be able to explain how they will utilize the knowledge, skills, and abilities received through the program. 

Following the application review, applicants are personally interviewed with their spouse by a regional selection committee representing agriculture, business, academia, agribusiness, and Nebraska LEAD Alumni. Recommendation for selected candidates is then presented to the Board of Directors for final approval and acceptance into the program. 

PURPOSE and ACCOMPLISHMENT:
The purpose of the Nebraska LEAD Program is to provide Nebraska's most promising adult men and women agriculturalists an opportunity to participate in an intensive two-year educational program designed to enhance leadership development, essential for the long-term future of farming/ranching, agribusiness, Nebraska, and the nation. Our mission is "to prepare and motivate men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership."

The Nebraska LEAD Program has a proven track record of program delivery. Alumni are serving in important policy and decision making roles. They represent a cross-section of Nebraska, leading local boards of education to serving in the Nebraska legislature and beyond. Participants note expanded horizons, attitudinal changes, willingness to examine all sides of issues, improved understanding of others and greater prospective on global issues. Coupled with unique educational experiences and precious exposure, they possess rekindled enthusiasm and confidence to be involved with more open participatory leadership style and skill. 

PROGRAM SUPPORT:
The Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, Inc., an educational, non-profit corporation, directs the Nebraska LEAD Program. The Council is composed of recognized leaders in education, business, industry, and agribusiness throughout Nebraska. The Council's Board of Directors serve on a voluntary basis and receive no compensation. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nebraska LEAD Program
Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council, Inc.
318 Biochemistry Hall
P.O. Box 830873
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln NE 68583-0763

THEJNY1@UNL.EDU
Telephone: (402) 472-6810
FAX: (402) 472-6799
Home Page: http://lead.unl.edu

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