Questions

Eligibility and Expectations for Candidates

1. How firm is the schedule set for the 2024-2026 program?

All participants have busy schedules, and it can be very difficult to make changes and add more to it. This is why MARL typically holds a firm schedule without significant changes. However, a few hours’ difference in the start or finish of a seminar can be expected. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us how to adjust responsibly, if needed. Participants will be notified in advance. Adjustments to the schedule due to weather are rarely made. The MARL staff team has the authority to cancel or reschedule an event if an exceptional situation occurs. In this highly unusual situation, the team will keep the schedule of active farmers and leaders in mind. Participants are not expected to be involved in decision-making processes regarding the schedule or programming.

The time commitment for the first year is 18 days away from home, second year is 24 days. Regular in-state seminars usually start around noon on the first day, and conclude around noon on the last day. Other assignments around the seminars will variate, from two hours to approx. 10 hours per seminar. It is highly recommended to discuss this with loved ones and colleagues, and notify all on the exact dates. Staying in touch with work/family during the international seminar is expected to be limited, yet possible.

To fully benefit from the MARL program, it is extremely important for all participants to attend every seminar. This is not only for the participants themselves, but also the teams one works in, as well as the entire cohort. In addition, MARL is funded by many generous organizations and individuals, who expect participants to fully engage in this rigorous experience. Participants need to contact the Executive Director as soon as possible when a serious work or family-related conflict arises. Please read the Class #13 MARL Packet/ application form for more details.

Candidates are encouraged to reach out to the Executive Director before applying to discuss any expected difficulties with attendance. A solution might be possible.

The MARL program allows leaders to further develop their personal and leadership skills, as well as learning about the state of Minnesota, the nation and the world. You should do this if you want to better utilize your abilities, get a boost in your personal growth, and expand your knowledge and horizon. This will benefit you, your work, and family relationships. You can expect to be more successful in working with teams, be more innovative and broadminded, and increase your emotional intelligence.

Besides learning about the locations we visit, you will learn a lot about leadership and personal topics, as well as yourself. You will be asked to complete several assessment tests, set personal goals, and follow up.

The MARL experience itself ends at graduation. MARL graduates have a history of staying very involved in several ways. Additionally, there are unique events and initiatives organized by and for MARL graduates. After MARL, you are also welcome to join any events organized by the International Leadership Alumni Conference (ILAC). It is not uncommon for graduates to help the staff team at current class seminars, attend seminar banquets, volunteer at trade shows, and more.

The MARL board of directors decides which candidates are selected. Having two family members or spouses in one cohort will not benefit the diversity of the class, nor the neutral environment for the individual. Both could apply, but it is not likely that both will be selected for the same class. It is possible to be selected for different classes.

You will receive a certificate upon completion, at graduation. This is not an academic degree or certificate.

This has not been possible yet, but we continue to explore possibilities. There is currently a special scholarship available for veterans, however. Don’t hesitate to inquire with the MARL Executive Director.

Application & Selection

  • You are committed to agriculture and/or rural Minnesota.
  • You are committed to the program with time and energy.
  • You are a resident of Minnesota, 21 years or older.
  • You have some leadership experience in the community or other organizations.
  • You demonstrate open-mindedness and willingness to engage with difference.
  • You are committed to learning and personal growth.
  • You bring unique experiences and viewpoints to the cohort.

Do you have some experience at a local level? School, college, other organizations? The program is designed for emerging as well as seasoned leaders. When unsure, please consult the MARL Executive Director or any director, current participant, or graduates. Or join one of the six webinars to learn more (see “events”).

No, the MARL program will work best when you are ready for a big boost in your personal and leadership growth. Several graduates indicated regretting waiting for years to apply.

Absolutely!

MARL is a premier program for your professional development, which greatly benefits employers. Several organizations have a process in place where they pre-select their leaders to apply for the program. It is proven very successful for employee retention and company culture to offer opportunities for personal and professional growth. MARL does that, and far beyond.

Participation in MARL will take a lot of time. Understanding this and the concept of MARL is important. By being more involved, questions and mysteries are being solved. Some significant others have become friends and help each other during the longer seminars. While the involvement of our loved ones has been proven beneficial for all, it is not a requirement for them. Highly encouraged, but not a determinant for your selection.

If the MARL board of directors decides not to select you for the program at this time, you will be contacted by the Executive Director. It is not unusual for candidates to apply again for the next class of MARL.

To apply for Class #14 (2026-2028), complete the online application form. It will be made available January 1, 2026, with an online form and resources. : /application-forms/. Three references are required (see Recommendation Form), and if applicable, have your employer complete the Employer Support Form. Links to all forms are available on the website and should be submitted by March 31st, 2026. For future MARL classes, keep an eye on the instructions on the website. A new cohort starts once in two years. Technical difficulties? Contact the MARL Executive Director.

The application not only asks for your contact information, professional, and educational background, but also your leadership experiences and unique perspectives. There are two essay sections in which you can express this. A strong application looks professional. And as strong leaders are authentic. If possible, allow yourself some time to think through your essay pieces.

The MARL Executive Director would love to help you. Call: 507-537-7488, or email:  brad.schloesser@smsu.edu.

Financial Topics

Tuition for MARL Class #13  is $6,000, payable in four installments. Year 1: Installments of $2,500 on July 31 and October 15. Year 2: Installments of $3,500 on July 31 and October 15. Tuition covers approx. 25% of the total cost. Generous gifts cover 75% of the cost.

Yes. Financial support is highly customized. Several organizations and cooperative systems offer help for their customers, constituents, growers, and members. Contact the Executive Director to explore your individual options. There are more possibilities than you probably thought of.

Besides the delivery of our rigorous training, MARL offers some supplies, lodging, and transportation during the seminar, including flights and most meals. Additional costs you may expect:

  • transportation to and from the seminar location or Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, possible parking fees. Short distances during a seminar with personal vehicles can happen.
  • Some meals, incl. breakfast on your own during a seminar or during free time – especially in Washington D.C. and abroad.
  • Depending on the international destination, there might be additional costs for vaccinations and supplies, possibly visitor-visa processing fees, and a small gift for local hosts.
  • The expense of a taxi cab, share-ride or metro card in Washington, D.C.
  • Fines: Every MARL cohort has had its own policy regarding forgetting your name tag and a cell phone ringing ($20). This policy, as well as how the proceeds are spent, is determined and managed by the cohort.

For Employers and Organizations

A growing number of organizations and businesses have a process in place to pre-select leaders to apply for every cohort of MARL. The return on investment is well worth it for the organization and the individual. Continuous evaluations as well as ripple effect mapping have shown a significant impact on participants’ leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and more. As part of the training, MARL includes several assessment tests, including MHS Bar-On EQi, StrengthsFinder, Thomas-Killman Conflict Mode Instrument, and more. Having strongly equipped, confident leaders benefits organizations directly, but also beyond that in the sector and the community. It is a phenomenal way to boost your leaders in their growth, very rigorous and very affordable due to the strong support in Minnesota.

MARL members will be expected to attend eleven seminars during the 22-month program. MARL Seminars are normally held from Noon Wednesday to Noon Friday, with some exceptions. The time commitment for seminars of MARL Class #13 will be 18 days in the first year and 24 days in the second year. Ten seminars rotate around the state. A national seminar in Washington, D.C., and an international study seminar will be held abroad – destination to be determined, in Year 2 (2026).

It can be surprising how well we can adapt to the participant being unavailable at times. We do not want to create highly irresponsible choices. There will be breaks during a seminar, allowing employees to check in during emergencies. Communicating any priorities and schedules early will help the participant, staff team, and the entire cohort to anticipate this. Participants need to contact the Executive Director as soon as possible about any expected deviations from the regular schedule. The board of directors will be advising on possible removal if multiple seminars are affected or missed due to work priorities.

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