Patterned after community leadership programs across the country, Leadership Aberdeen is a comprehensive workshop for current and potential leaders to analyze characteristics associated with leadership, develop individual skills, and gather an awareness of trends, challenges, and issues that face Aberdeen and the region.

Leadership Aberdeen seeks a diverse group of participants of varying interest and styles across the broad spectrum of achievement from the region. Of the 400 alumni, graduates have served on the Aberdeen school board, city and county commissions, and for the Chamber of Commerce. Many have assumed leadership in civic and community groups and in their professional roles.

Applicants to the program must live or work in the Northeastern South Dakota region and agree to attend the orientation retreat and all weekly sessions. Leadership Aberdeen classes will consist of no more than 30 participants selected through a confidential application process by the Leadership Committee. Acceptance is based on the following criteria:

*A demonstrated commitment to the region
*A demonstrated desire to better understand and improve leadership skills
* Interest in future community involvement
* Willingness to commit to approximately 60 hours to the program by attending sessions

Click here for 2010 Leadership Aberdeen Brochure (pdf)

Tuition
Tuition is $650 for Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce members and $800 for non-members, payable in advance of program start date. Tuition covers all program costs, including materials, meals, Aberdeen attire, and transportation.

Scholarships
Avera St. Luke's offers the Dale Stein Scholarship for non-profit organizations and scholarships may be available to those who would otherwise be unable to provide tuition through the Leadership Aberdeen Business Partners. Please contact the Chamber for more information.

Refund Policy
If a registered participant must withdraw from the program before beginning, the Chamber will refund the paid tuition. If a participant begins the program, then withdraws, only a portion of tuition paid may be refunded.

Commitment
Participants are expected to attend all sessions in the belief that everyone brings their unique experience to the program. Please consider your availability if you should be selected to participate.

To Register
Registrations for the 2011 program will be available beginning November 2010. Click here for Leadership 2010 Application (pdf).