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                                                                                                                                                                                              Click here for LRC Directory
Watch for 2008 LRC Session Agendas (Coming Soon)
Leadership Rapid City (LRC) is a 12-week program that promotes a better understanding of our community, builds leadership skills, and develops a network of community leaders. Twenty-plus years ago the leaders of the Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce took a bold step and established this far-reaching visionary program.

Leadership Rapid City provides existing and potential leaders with the knowledge necessary to effectively participate in community affairs. LRC students are exposed to the community's infrastructure, its resources, people, problems, and decision-makers.

The LRC program helps develop a deeper understanding of the fabric of our community, including government, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations. It provides an opportunity to meet some of our community leaders and learn more about the important issues and challenges facing our city and state. LRC helps build leadership skills and participants develop a network of friends and colleagues in the community.

More than 500 people have graduated from the LRC program since it was organized in 1981. Past graduates include accountants, architects, artists, bankers, business owners, counselors, dentists, doctors, engineers, executives, government employees, homemakers, lawyers, marketers, merchants, military personnel, teachers, writers, and more. The Selection Committee focuses on assembling a diverse group of participants for each class.
 
Topics Covered
  • Business Issues
  • Economic Development
  • Arts and Education
  • Military Affairs and Economic Impact
  • Environment
  • Native American and Cultural Issues
  • Health and Human Services
  • City Politics and Legal System
  • State Government Issues
  • Leadership Styles and Skills
  • Media Agencies in the Community
Qualifications
Leadership Rapid City seeks applicants who are interested in learning more about our community and attaining their leadership goals. The Application Guidelines for LRC requests information about education, professional activities, accomplishments, future goals, and community involvement. A Selection Committee, made up of LRC graduates, uses these factors to select the program participants. Class size is limited to 30 students, making the selection process highly competitive. If not selected, individuals are invited to reapply in a following year.
Time Requirements
Leadership Rapid City is a 12-week course. The class meets Thursdays, usually from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. beginning in September. A major element of the program is a two-day retreat, over a Friday and Saturday.
Tuition
Tuition for the 12-week program is $500 per participant. Tuition is payable by August 15 and is not refundable after September 15. Many individuals who take part in LRC are sponsored by their employers, but this is not an option for everyone. Finances should not preclude anyone from applying for Leadership Rapid City. A limited number of partial scholarships are available. If financial help is needed, please indicate this on your application. Additionally, some graduates of the LRC program have received financial assistance from service clubs and other organizations.
Click here for Official Application

Refer to Business Plan for information on specific committees.

Junior Leadership Rapid City
Click here for Junior Leadership Information & Application
Leadership Rapid City Board of Directors