Jan. 7, 2022

Applications for the Billie Sutton Leadership Institute’s 2022 Sutton Leaders and Rural Power programs will be accepted until Feb. 1.

It’s the fourth year for Sutton Leaders and the second for Rural Power, a leadership development initiative specific to rural South Dakota.

Sutton, a former state senator and 2018 candidate for governor of South Dakota, launched the nonpartisan, nonprofit Leadership Institute in 2019 “dedicated to inspiring and preparing the next generation of leaders to build a stronger South Dakota and more vibrant communities and workplaces through service to others,” the organization said in a statement.

Since its launch, the Sutton Leadership Institute has trained and mentored more than three dozen next-generation leaders from across the state who have given back to their communities through service projects.

“We are excited to offer another group of talented next-generation leaders the opportunity to learn, grow and be pushed to make an even bigger impact in our state,” Sutton said.

“This initiative is making a difference in the lives of emerging leaders and the people they serve across South Dakota by inspiring leaders to take action, give back and step up for our communities.”

Both programs are free. Applications and nominations can be submitted here.