Registration Open for Homegrown Leaders Training
Rural community leaders invited to apply for Homegrown Leaders, a 2.5-day regional leadership and community economic development training offered by the NC Rural Center.
Registration has opened for North Carolina Rural Center's Homegrown Leaders (HGL), a 2.5-day regional leadership and community economic development training.
This program brings the foundations of the NC Rural Center’s flagship Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI) to local communities to support leadership development at home and build regional collaboration to tackle challenges and embrace opportunities.
Homegrown Leaders is designed for rural community leaders working in multiple sectors, including:
• Healthcare
• Education
• Government
• Nonprofit
• Faith-based organizations
• Small business leaders and entrepreneurs
• Economic development professionals
• Other community leaders
The Rural Center offers this program three times a year: once each in Eastern, Western, and Central North Carolina.
The 2026 HGL Central training, the last HGL training of the year, will be held in Asheboro August 18-20.
REDI is a 9-day course held in Raleigh for three days at a time over three months. HGL brings the foundations of REDI to different regions of North Carolina. Both courses offer the opportunity to meet other North Carolina leaders championing rural areas of the state.
Participants will learn:
A Deeper Understanding of Rural Economic Development
• How economic development can be based on interconnected building blocks
• How to explore real-world data, assets, and best practices shaping rural economies
Stronger Leadership Skills
• Ways to build collaborative leadership habits and sharpen interpersonal communication
• How to gain confidence through moving ideas into action and advocating for community change
Community Engagement Strategies
• New skills for connecting across perspectives and leading with cultural awareness
• Approaches that promote unity, fairness, and shared ownership in community work
Resource Access and Stakeholder Networking
• How to build lasting relationships with fellow leaders and access expert support
• How to tap into Rural Center programs, learning opportunities, and a strong alumni network
If you're interested in applying for REDI, the NC Rural Center will start accepting applications for the 2026 REDI class next month.
To learn more about the Homegrown Leaders, click HERE. Apply for Homegrown Leaders Central by clicking HERE. Limited scholarships are available to cover the $425 training fee for those with the greatest financial need. If you'd like to apply for a scholarship, please indicate that request when you register.
