Homegrown Leaders
June 10-12, 2025
Bishop W.I. Welch Community Center | 101 Cherry Street | Gaston, NC
Homegrown Leaders is a three-day regional leadership and community economic development training that equips existing and emerging leaders with the skills to plan for and lead in addressing long-term and sustainable economic advancement in their community and region.

Homegrown Leaders brings the foundations of the Rural Center’s flagship Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI) program to local communities to support leadership development at home and build regional collaboration to tackle challenges and embrace opportunities. 

Individuals who live in or work in the shaded eastern counties of the state (refer to the map below), are eligible to apply for the next cohort of Homegrown Leaders.
Eastern NC Counties
Objectives
  • Learn and apply skills needed to address current and emerging critical issues and economic trends that will impact the future of their communities and regions.
  • Gain an understanding of the importance of regional collaboration for building long-term solutions to common problems and innovative growth opportunities.
  • Economic development - Participate in an examination of the building blocks of community economic development; receive an analysis of current data and regional economic trends; take part in an exploration of critical local/regional economic development issues and opportunities; and learn how rural community leaders can eliminate barriers and expand opportunity for marginalized populations and the future economic well-being of all rural North Carolinians and their communities.
  • Leadership development - Learn collaborative leadership skills; explore emotional intelligence; and learn strategies for working with others and leading in difficult conversations.
  • Build relationships by networking with other leaders from the region.
Timeline
This is a two-step process. You must apply AND if selected, complete registration and payment. Please hold the training dates (June 10-12) on your calendar so that if you are selected you will be able to attend. 
  • May 2, 2025 | Application period closes.
  • May 9, 2025 | Accepted applicants are notified, and registration opens.
  • May 23, 2025 | Registration completed ($1,000 registration fee is due*).
  • June 10-12, 2025 | Homegrown Leaders Training
Eligibility and Training Costs
You are eligible to apply if you live in or work in eastern North Carolina counties highlighted in the map below.

The cost of the 3-day training is $1,000*, which does not include travel, lodging, and some meals.

*We have limited scholarships available. Please make sure to fill out the section at the end of this application if you would like to be considered for a scholarship. No payment is required in order to apply. 
Contact Information








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Additional Information
The hallmark of Homegrown Leaders is the people who participate, and we strive to select a diverse class from across the region. We encourage you to be thorough and express yourself fully in your responses to the essay questions. This will help the selection committee understand your unique experiences and perspectives and conduct a fair and impartial selection process.


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Financial Responsibility




Attendance
If you are selected, you will be notified by Friday, May 9, 2025 and asked to either accept or decline your participation. If you accept, you will be required to register and pay by Friday, May 23, 2025. Please note that the $1,000 registration fee does not include travel, lodging, and some meals.

You are required to participate in the entire training. Refunds will not be issued based on failure to attend. Refunds for cancellations made after May 31 are up to the discretion of the training staff.

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