Apply to Become a legendary leader

We're looking for aspiring rural and agriculture leaders to be a part of our next KARL class!

Applications accepted January 1st - April 1st.

To view the preliminary Class XVII seminar schedule, click here.

Nominate a Leader

Know someone who would be a good fit for the KARL program? Let us know and we will contact them.

Nomination form

Eligibility

Qualifications

Candidates for KARL must be committed to Kansas agriculture and rural communities and their relationship to local, national and international issues. Applicants must also have a track record of leadership in organizations or their community. Each applicant must be a citizen of the U.S. and a resident of the state of Kansas for at least one year at the time of application. Approval from your employer must be given. If self-employed, please provide evidence that time away will not adversely affect your business or operations.

Expectations

Accepted candidates are expected to actively participate in every session of the two-year program. Seminars are in three-day segments, usually noon Wednesday through noon Friday, from November through February. The national and international study tours are one week and 12 -14 days, respectively, and are held in March.

Cost

The value of the KARL Program experience is over $30,000, but participants only have to pay $5,600. Payment schedule is as follows:

A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due after class membership notification, prior to May 28 with registration.

$2,550 due by August 1.

The balance of $2,550 is due by August 1 of the second year.

Due to a fellowship investment by donors to cover the remaining $25,000 per participant, accepted candidates are expected to actively participate in every session of the two-year program. Room, board, and transportation during each seminar (including the national and international study tours) are covered by this support. Cost of transportation to and from each seminar is the responsibility of the participant as are incidental expenses and free time food, etc., during the national and international study tours. Regional carpooling is encouraged to reduce commuting costs.

Candidate Selection

A selection committee will review applications and schedule interviews with the top candidates in their areas. Candidates must be available for a regional interview during the first full week of May in even-numbered years. The class is selected in a meeting of the Board by the end of May.

About the selection:

Each class is composed of up to 30 individuals involved in agriculture or rural community leadership positions.

The class is comprised of a representative cross-section of Kansas.

No more than one family member accepted into any one class.

Candidates can apply for our two-year program offered every even-numbered year.

Apply

Legendary Rural Leaders