Apply
Anyone can apply to become a Great Plains Leadership Institute Scholar.
The Institute is designed for emerging, mid-level and senior leaders from the Great Plains Region (Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and more) who play essential roles in the public health system. We encourage a mix of leaders from governmental public health, insurance companies, community health centers and civic and elected leaders. Before you apply, please review our Application Instructions.
Applications for the 2025-2026 GPLI cohort are now closed. Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort will open Spring 2025. If you are interested in applying for next year's cohort, please contact Institute Director Brandon Drozd.
FAQs
Year 20 Applications are due Friday, June 6th, 2025.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance status starting the week of July 21st, 2025.
The fee for Year 20 (2025-2026) attendance is $2,999*. Payment must be made in full by September 1, 2025.
There may be a limited number of stipends available for eligible scholars. Please complete a stipend request.
No refunds will be made after September 1, 2025.
The year-long institute runs from fall to fall.
See below for preliminary Dates of Key Events/Components (dates in bold indicate in-person events).
Please send application materials to this form.
Brandon Drozd.
Institute Director
402-559-3564
Important Dates
|
Orientation Call |
September 2025 |
|
Submit Pre-Assessments, Materials |
September 2025 |
|
Kick-Off Intensive |
October 12–16, 2025 |
|
Monthly Distance Education |
November 2025 – March 2026 |
|
Learning Clusters |
November 2025 – March 2026 |
|
Mentoring Opportunity |
November 2025 – March 2026 |
|
Peer Coaching Partnership |
January – September 2026 |
|
Mid-Year Intensive |
TBD, Spring 2026 |
|
Monthly Distance Education |
April – September 2026 |
|
Learning Clusters |
April – September 2026 |
|
Graduation Intensive |
October 11-15, 2026 |
Attendance Fees
The fee for 2025-2026 attendance is $2,999. This price includes and covers the cost of:
- All required institute materials (binders, books, self-assessments)
- Lodging and meals during each onsite Intensive (travel to and from onsite locations is the responsibility of the scholar and/or the scholar’s sponsoring organization)
- Communication costs (conference calls, webinars, and online experiences)
Why GPLI?
The field of public health continues to face complex challenges that demand dynamic leadership approaches. The Great Plains Leadership Institute has been honored to serve the region and beyond for almost twenty years. During the year-long experience, scholars can focus on their individual growth and development goals, create new and lasting relationships, and foster change within the organizations they serve.
““I can't be grateful enough for the opportunity. It was life and career changing.””
