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LEAD Maryland

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. The LEAD Fellowship Program is for adults, age 21 and over.

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)

  1. LEAD Maryland Class XII Program Information and Calendar which include benefits of Program participation;
  2. 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.
  3. Link to the Class XII Online Application Form; 
  4. 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

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

Through program participation, Fellows become more equipped to:

          *Solve Problems

          *Identify Resources

          *Engage and Educate Others

          *Lead Communities

          *Shape Public Policy

Participants have diverse backgrounds with activities or interests in fields such as: 

  • Production Agriculture
  •  
  • Farms
  •  
  • Natural Resources and the Environment
  •  
  • Marketing and Distribution
  •  
  • Business
  •  
  • Communications
  •  
  • Government and Policy
  •  
  • Science and Technology
  •  
  • Law
  •  
  • And many others within or serving agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities

LEAD recognizes that people learn best by engaging in the world around them, which is why seminars include a mix of both classroom instruction and site visits.

"Understanding the climate issues affecting the coastal counties allows me to better address these items when they are topics of discussion at local meetings."

~Class XI Fellow

Everyone has something valuable to bring to the LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program.

"There is something for everyone and there is no shortage of knowledge to learn.  Participants will find something to bring to their home community and farm, make new friends and business partners, and move forward professionally. They will also learn something they may not have been looking for." 

~Alan Eck (Class X)

Are you interested in becoming a LEAD Maryland Fellow?

Contact us to learn more!

Office: 410-827-8056; Mobile: 410-703-1094

Email: leadmd@umd.edu

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:

Curious to learn more?  Check out this short video to hear what program graduates have to say about their experiences in LEAD.

University of Maryland Extension Signature Program

Contact Us

LEAD Maryland Foundation, Inc.

124 Wye Narrows Dr.
Queenstown, MD 21658
United States

Hours: Monday through Friday;
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Contact: Susan Harrison

Phone: (Office) 410 827-8056 x136; (Mobile) 410-703-1094

Email: leadmd@umd.edu

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