Clarksdale, MS – Applications for the Delta Regional Authority’s (DRA) 2025 Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy are now open. An extensive nine-month leadership development program, DLI brings together public, private and nonprofit sector leaders from the Mississippi River and Alabama Black Belt regions. Fellows are selected through a competitive application process led by DRA’s board of governors and federal co-chairman.
Since 2005, the DLI Executive Academy has provided leadership development to more than 700 community leaders from diverse backgrounds, sectors, and industries to improve economic competitiveness and social viability throughout the Delta region. DRA created the program to empower a corps of leaders with the tools, experiences, and networks to address local and regional economic development challenges.
During the leadership program, fellows participate in six in-person sessions led by local, regional, and national experts, which cover policy areas and skills related to public infrastructure, regional transportation systems, workforce development, coalition-building and other fields necessary to facilitate economic development in the Delta. Upon completion, DLI Executive Academy fellows graduate with enhanced decision-making skills, policy development know-how, strengthened leadership capacity, and a mutual understanding of regional, state, and local culture and issues.
Applicants for the 2025 DLI Executive Academy must live or work in the 252 counties and parishes that encompass DRA’s region, as designated by the U.S. Congress. The DLI Executive Academy seeks applicants in traditional or nontraditional leadership roles within organizations, businesses or communities. DLI Executive Academy fellows must have previously worked on community-based projects that support economic and community development efforts on the local, regional or state level.
2025 Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy Schedule
Session I: January 27 – 30, 2025 | Greenwood, Mississippi
Session II: March 3 – 6, 2025 | Paragould, Arkansas
Session III: April 28 – May 1, 2025 | Selma, Alabama
Session IV: June 16 – 19, 2025 | Washington, D.C.
Session V: July 28 – 31, 2025 | West Tennessee
Session VI: September 8 – 11, 2025 | New Orleans, Louisiana
Those interested can apply through August 16, 2024, at Delta Leadership Institute – Delta Regional Authority (dra.gov).
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