The 2021-2022 program has concluded. Congratulations, Class of '22!
Applications and scholarship requests are now open!
General Application Deadline: July 29, 2022
High School Student (Rising Juniors) Application Deadline: June 8, 2022
NOW OPEN FOR RISING SENIORS! Application Deadline: June 30, 2022
Selection Criteria
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Each year, Leadership Rutherford brings together 20-25 select individuals recognized as established or emerging leaders to participate in its annual educational leadership program. Class member selection is based on leadership experience and/or potential, as well as community involvement. Other factors taken into consideration include geographic representation, job sector, ethnicity, age, gender, and other dimensions of diversity to ensure that Leadership Rutherford cohorts accurately represent the county.
Graduates of the program will be better equipped to affect positive change throughout the county because they have a greater understanding of the area's political, social, financial and institutional structures and have a larger network of resources. |
Program Requirements
- Attendance policy is mandatory for the Opening Retreat, all subsequent program days, and graduation.
- Class participants are permitted 8 hours of absence from the programs. Participants may recover up to 4 (four) hours of absence by attending an alternate approved activity.
- Late arrivals and/or early departures from program events are considered in hourly deductions and apply to the total number of absence hours.
- Participation and a level of interest and engagement is expected from all class members in order to successfully complete the program.
- Anyone missing more than 8 hours may return the following program year and make up the hours missed at no additional cost. Those making up the time will graduate at the end of the program.
Application Process
Each spring, the application window opens for the following class year. Those interested in applying should download the Leadership Rutherford Application Package below and follow the instructions and deadlines on the form.
*High school students interested in applying should also download the Leadership Rutherford Application Package below and pay particular attention to the instructions specific to high school students.
Anyone interested in securing a scholarship should also download and complete the Scholarship Request Form, which should be submitted with your completed Application Package.
The class will be selected by late summer. The first meeting of the group is the mandatory Opening Retreat, scheduled in late August.
*High school students interested in applying should also download the Leadership Rutherford Application Package below and pay particular attention to the instructions specific to high school students.
Anyone interested in securing a scholarship should also download and complete the Scholarship Request Form, which should be submitted with your completed Application Package.
The class will be selected by late summer. The first meeting of the group is the mandatory Opening Retreat, scheduled in late August.
If you have any questions about completing this application, call Linc McDaniel at (828) 289-3741 or email leadershiprutherfordnc@gmail.com.
Leadership Rutherford Application Package
| lr_application_package_2022-23_final_.pdf |
Leadership Rutherford Scholarship Request Form
| lr_scholarship_request_form_2022-23_final_fillable.pdf |
Sample Class Schedule
Below is a sample schedule with the types of topics addressed in each class. Classes generally meet on the second Tuesday of each month. Class begins at 8 AM and conclude at 5 PM, unless otherwise noted.*
To graduate from Leadership Rutherford, a participant agrees to and is expected to attend all sessions of each program.
AugustOpening Retreat
*6:00 - 8:00 PM SeptemberCritical Issues
Personality Assessment OctoberGovernment
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NovemberEconomy/Workforce Development
DecemberEducation
JanuaryHealth
FebruaryQuality of Life
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MarchCommunity Diversity
AprilAgriculture/Environment
MayTourism
Leadership Models Graduation |
Testimonials
Leadership Rutherford completely negates the age-old idea that ‘there is nothing to do in Rutherford County.’ I didn’t think it was possible to love my community more than I already did. After completing the Leadership Rutherford program, I was more inspired, more encouraged, and more in love with Rutherford County than I had ever been! Honestly, this course should be required of every citizen! --Samantha Earley
This has been a wonderful experience. I’ve learned so much. Everyone should have the chance to go through Leadership Rutherford.
This has absolutely been one of the most eye-opening, revolutionary, and influential experiences of my life. I thank Leadership Rutherford for everything they’ve done for me. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made. So much love and admiration for everyone involved.
Through this program I have not only learned so much about my county, but also made lasting connections with other amazing leaders.
Living in Rutherford County, I have never experienced it the way that I have this year. Leadership Rutherford has been a phenomenal experience with great information. I have a new outlook on this “hidden gem”.
I have lived in Rutherford County my entire life (51 years). I have learned so much about the area and have been introduced to many resources. I would highly recommend Leadership Rutherford.
Leadership Rutherford
PO Box 794
Forest City, NC 28043
Phone: (828) 289-3741
PO Box 794
Forest City, NC 28043
Phone: (828) 289-3741
