Applications are now available for membership in the Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership (MARL) Program Class III. Candidates can apply online at the MARL Web site, www.MARLprogram.org. Application forms are also available by contacting the MARL office. The deadline for submission of written applications is Monday, March 1. Applications will be reviewed and candidate interviews conducted in March, with the selection process being completed by the MARL Board of Directors by mid-April. Class III will begin its MARL experience in November 2004. MARL Class III will follow a program similar to that of the charter and current MARL classes. Class II is at the midpoint of its educational program experience. Members have completed five in-state seminars and a national study seminar. The seminars include leadership skill development and exposure to the economic and political environment of the area of the state where the sessions are held. The program is now on hiatus until November, when in-state seminars resume. MARL Class II will travel to Mexico and Costa Rica in February for the capstone international seminar. Each MARL class is comprised of up to 30 participants. Two-thirds of them make the majority of their income from production agriculture. The other third are people involved in agri-business and other rural leadership roles. The program is funded through tuition from participants, and donations and grants from individuals, businesses and foundations. MARL is a private/public partnership. A board of directors provides oversight of the program development and direction. The board has been established as a standing committee within the Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. The organizational structure allows contributions to the MARL program to qualify as charitable donations to a non-profit educational organization. The MARL program also has an advisory board. To receive an application, or for more information on the MARL Program, visit the program Web site at www.MARL program.org. Interested parties may also contact Tim Alcorn, Executive Director, Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program, Founders Hall 122, Southwest Minnesota State University, 1501 State Street, Marshall MN, 56258. Alcorn can be reached at (507) 537-6280, or via e-mail at alcornt@SouthwestMSU.edu.
