Applications to participate in the next LEAD cohort, Class XII (2022-2023), are now OPEN!
The online application will remain open from June 1 until October 1, 2021. See below for application materials and details on how to apply.
Apply to LEAD Class XII (2022-2023):
Thank you for your interest in joining the LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program's next cohort, Class XII. Class XII will participate in 2022-2023. The online application form will be available June 1 through October 1, 2021. In addition to completing the online application, applicants must also contact 3 references who must each submit a reference form (found below). Reference forms must be returned directly from the recommender to the LEAD Maryland Foundation office via email: leadmd@umd.edu, or mail: 124 Wye Narrows Drive, Queenstown, MD 21658.
Before completing the online application:
Please review the Class XII Program Information and Calendar (found below), to better familiarize yourself with LEAD Maryland's mission, curriculum, and time commitment. We also ask that you please read through the Statement of Understanding and Code of Ethics to ensure that you fully understand the Program requirements and that you are able to fully commit to participation in Class XII. You do not need to sign, print, and submit the Statement of Understanding document. A printed copy will be provided at the time of applicant interviews.
Application materials include the below 4 items: (Click on the links to open)
- LEAD Maryland Class XII Program Information and Calendar which include benefits of Program participation;
- LEAD Maryland Class XII Statement of Understanding and Code of Ethics--you do not need to print, sign, and submit this form. A printed copy will be provided for signature during applicant interviews.
- Link to the Class XII Online Application Form;
- LEAD Maryland Class XII Reference Form as a pdf, which can be printed and shared; Or use LEAD Maryland Class XII Reference Form as a WORD document.
There are many benefits to participating in LEAD's Fellowship Program. We hope you will review the application materials and consider applying.
If you have specific questions about applying for or participating in a future class, please contact the LEAD Maryland Program office: leadmd@umd.edu, 410-827-8056, or 410-703-1094. Thank you.
LEAD News and Events
Sign Up to Attend a Virtual LEAD Information Session!
Are you or is someone you know interested in joining a future class of the LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program?
These brief sessions are held virtually, over Zoom, and include an overview of the Program, an introduction to the LEAD Maryland Foundation, and the Fellowship application process. Potential applicants will hear from current Fellows, Alumni, and Program leaders about their experiences in LEAD, and how the Program helped advance their personal, professional, and community servant leadership goals. Sessions are FREE to attend, but registration in advance is required.
The next LEAD Information Session will be held on:
June 23, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. To register, click here.
Additional instructions, including the Zoom link and details to access the event, will be provided in a confirmation email following registration.
Applications for the next LEAD Maryland Fellowship Class (Class XII) will be accepted June 1 - October 1, 2021, for participation in 2022-2023. Program brochures are available on the Fellowship Program page.
LEAD Alumni Workshop Addressed Broadband Connectivity in Rural Maryland
On May 12, from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM, LEAD Maryland Alumni Committee co-chairs Bill Schrodel (Class III), and Kathy Johnson (Class VIII) were joined by Charlotte Davis (Class IX) of Rural Maryland Council, and Matt Teffeau (Class IX) of Choptank Electric Cooperative, in a virtually-delivered workshop that addressed broadband connectivity throughout rural Maryland. Charlotte and Matt shared updates on what progress has been made so far, and what options currently exist for bringing reliable, consistent internet access to rural portions of the state. Bill also shared his knowledge of StarLink and some additional resources.
If you were unable to attend the live event, a recording is available (for a limited time) by clicking on the link provided below.
Thank you again to our speakers, Charlotte and Matt, and to Bill and Kathy for organizing and hosting this informative event!
Speaker Series
The Speaker Series is a collaborative effort between the LEAD Maryland Foundation and the Harry R. Hughes Center for Agro-Ecology. Funding is provided by the Rural Maryland Council through a grant from the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund (MAERDAF).
Past speakers have included Dr. David Kohl (Transforming the Black Swan into a Phoenix, the Sequel) on March 11, 2021, and Dr. Timothy J. Shaffer, who presented a two-day event and workshop in February on Civil Discourse, Deliberative Engagement, and Leading with Humility.
Stay tuned for information on the next speaker series guest!
May 2021 LEAD Newsletter
Be sure to check out LEAD's newsletter for the latest Alumni news and events!
April 2021 LEAD Newsletter
Be sure to check out LEAD's newsletter for the latest Alumni news and events!
About the Program:
The LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program (a University of Maryland Extension Signature Program) is provided through a collaborative effort between the LEAD Maryland Foundation and the University of Maryland Extension, along with many other organizations, businesses, and individuals that work to fund, plan, implement, and evaluate the program and its activities. LEAD Maryland Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to identifying and developing leadership to serve agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities.
The LEAD Program awards a two-year fellowship to selected participants, creating classes of 20-25 emerging leaders. The LEAD Fellowship curriculum focuses on providing public issues education, skills building, leadership development, and personal growth.
In 2019, the University of Maryland Extension designated the LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program as an Extension Signature Program. To achieve this status, a program must meet the following seven criteria:
- Align with the mission of UME
- Meet critical clientele needs
- Incorporate research, evaluation, and scholarship
- Demonstrate the ability to be replicated
- Incorporate marketing and communication components
- Establish public value
- Demonstrate sustainability through ongoing UME funding
I give so much of the credit for my professional career to LEAD Maryland. The listening skills, conflict management, discussion skills, and understanding various aspects affecting agriculture across the state and in various regions of the state, helped me in my career.
Holly Porter, Delmarva Chicken Association
Hear What LEAD Alumni Have to Say:
