OUR PROGRAM

The Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) program is a two-year program that identifies, prepares, and connects aspiring leaders to spark action that will positively impact Kansas agriculture and rural communities. Each class includes up to 30 individuals from across Kansas who are willing to think differently and create change in their organizations, communities, our state, and our world. KARL Associates are connected with people and resources through multi-day seminars held across Kansas, a National Study tour to Washington DC and Gettysburg, PA, and an international study tour.

The curriculum challenges participants on environmental, economic and political challenges that are unfolding and will continue to test agriculture, agribusiness and rural communities. Our goal is to equip leaders with the broad base of knowledge necessary to help communities and industry make informed decisions, develop action plans, and realize their visions. KARL empowers leaders to help ensure a bright future for Kansas.

View Curriculum

Eligibility

Qualifications

Expectations

Cost

Candidate Selection

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International Study Tours

Each class goes on an international study tour for 12-14 days in March of the second year of the program. The location of the trip varies for each class. Learn more about some of our past trips:

Testimonials

"KARL is all about building a foundation of connections. As future leaders of the Ag industry and rural communities we need to have solid networks that include other leaders and organizations so that we can more effectively get access to new ideas and resources. We also benefit from exposure to leadership training and deep dives into the to big picture issues facing communities across the state."
Jackie mundt, CLASS Xv FELLOW
Preston, KS
"The KARL Program brings diverse thoughts and experiences together through the participants, speakers, and seminar experiences which cultivates an environment of learning and challenging your personal belief systems in the most positive way. The program has focused on learning about policy and how to make your voice heard for those changing policies. It also focuses on economic development, issues that affect rural stakeholders, and leadership and personal development. KARL has changed my life and I believe will continue to change it and I can’t wait!"
Karly frederick, CLASS XV FELLOW
sterling, KS
"The reason I wanted to be part of KARL was beyond the networking, history and knowledge. Most leadership programs offer that. KARL sets itself a part with its fortitude and compassion, and I have not missed a beat in the hearts of my forward thinking classmates. What has really made an impression on me is there is no falseness in the KARL program and there are plenty of heroes amongst the group to chase."
JR Robl, CLASS XV FELLOW
lenexa, KS
"To make progress, we must know and try to understand where we came from. KARL sessions are strategically designed to facilitate connecting with other rural leaders who are passionate about the future of Kansas agriculture, rural development and the investment in others. Through our first year as Class XVI, we’ve taken a deeper dive to learn more about the different regions of Kansas and how we all work together to move rural development forward. We must continue to listen with open minds and challenge each other to think differently. We are the Changemakers."
KARI WEST, CLASS XVI ASSOCIATE
GIRARD, KS
"I believe KARL serves as the conduit that sparks action for positive change in Kansas agriculture and rural communities by providing the tools, preparing people and connecting other changemakers. Through KARL, I have come to the revelation that by taking bold steps to help my community, I can also help other communities as well; and for that, I am thankful."
Kim baldwin, CLASS XV FELLOW
inman, KS
"The KARL Program has been impactful and mind opening. The sessions have exceeded my expectations and the D.C. & Gettysburg experience is one of the top leadership seminars I've participated in. Gettysburg was an "ah ha" moment when the types of leadership finally clicked with the men who fought in the battle. Looking forward to what year two will bring & the continued development of friendships."
jesse muller, CLASS XV FELLOW
liberty, KS
Participating in the KARL program has opened my eyes up to different challenges that people in our state face and how they overcome. There are people all over the state that care about rural and agriculture and have not given up or accepted that circumstances will stay the same as they always have. KARL has challenged me to use my talents and abilities not only to better myself but my community and work place.
kayla jarvis, CLASS XV FELLOW
phillipsburg, KS
"The KARL program helped me see the importance of truly getting involved in a local 501(c)(3). I was on a board previously but had not been actively doing my part. KARL inspired me to start and lead a fundraising committee as a part of that board and has generated a lot of excitement about the opportunity to make a real impact on the children in our community not only today but for generations to come."
Austin Love, CLASS XV FELLOW
Garden city, KS
"As a mid-career professional with both a background and future in Kansas, I was drawn to KARL in order to "catch a vision" for how I might continue to make a difference in our state. The KARL program is perfectly suited to do just that. It is, at once, informational, relationship-building, and outlook-changing."
JUSTIN KASTNER, CLASS XV FELLOW
MANHATTAN, KS
"The KARL program is truly an extraordinary experience. I applied for the program with anticipation of growing as a leader for the state of Kansas, my employer and my community. Two years later, I graduated with class XIV, taking with me an extensive network of leaders from around the state as well as an abundance of opportunities and experiences from across our grand state, nation and abroad"
MELISSA BERGKAMP, CLASS XIV FELLOW
HARPER, KS
"Great opportunity. One of the best classes in Leadership in Kansas that I have experienced. This class is a great opportunity to learn not only about yourself but other participants and their perceptions and reflections on leadership. The various locations of the class help further emphasize the curriculum and help bring the whole thing together."
Stew Cauble, CLASS Xv FELLOW
liberal, KS
"KARL is all about building a foundation of connections. As future leaders of the Ag industry and rural communities we need to have solid networks that include other leaders and organizations so that we can more effectively get access to new ideas and resources. We also benefit from exposure to leadership training and deep dives into the to big picture issues facing communities across the state."
Jackie mundt, CLASS Xv FELLOW
Preston, KS
"The KARL Program brings diverse thoughts and experiences together through the participants, speakers, and seminar experiences which cultivates an environment of learning and challenging your personal belief systems in the most positive way. The program has focused on learning about policy and how to make your voice heard for those changing policies. It also focuses on economic development, issues that affect rural stakeholders, and leadership and personal development. KARL has changed my life and I believe will continue to change it and I can’t wait!"
Karly frederick, CLASS XV FELLOW
sterling, KS