April 2, 2019
Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership Accepting Applications for Class XV
Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership, Inc. is accepting applications for Class XV. KARL, Inc. is an intensive two-year program designed for those engaged with agriculture and rural Kansas.
“The overall goal for KARL is to further develop emerging leaders for Kansas. Those who want to be on the leading edge of decisions that impact agriculture and rural communities will benefit greatly from going through this program,” said Jill Zimmerman, KARL president. “Graduates of the program become part of a network and have gone on to serve in legislative bodies, farm and commodity organizations, agribusiness, and their local communities, which is vital for the future of Kansas. Participants engage in a series of seminars throughout the state, in Washington, D.C., and through an international study tour.”
Interest is expected to run high for the limited number of seats available in Class XV as KARL embarks on its 30-year anniversary in 2019.
The program got its start when in mid-1989, a group of individuals representing various segments of Kansas agriculture met to discuss the need and potential for an extensive educational program designed to build a leadership base for the state’s agriculture and related industries. The first class of 30 participants began leadership development training in 1991. Since then, more than 400 participants have completed the program.
“That’s kept Kansas out front in providing leaders who not only influence our communities and our state, but the agriculture industry both here in the U.S. and abroad,” Zimmerman said.
Applications are due April 15, 2019. The online application and program participation details can be found at http://karlprogram.com/class-xv-application-materials/.
Finalists will be interviewed by a selection committee in May. The official class roster will be announced in June. Successful candidates demonstrate leadership potential and willingness to serve in decision-making roles upon completing the program.
The KARL program is a non-profit, educational organization dedicated to developing leaders for agriculture, business and rural communities, and is a member of the International Association of Programs for Agricultural Leaders (IAPAL), represented in 40 states and multiple countries. For more information about KARL, call Jill Zimmerman at 785-532- 6300, email karl@ksu.edu or visit the KARL website at http://karlprogram.com.