Who Should Apply

The Great Plains Leadership Institute is designed for professionals with 3 or more years of experience in public health or related fields who are ready to elevate their leadership impact. We seek emerging and mid- to senior-level leaders from across the Great Plains Region (Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and beyond) who play essential roles in strengthening the public health system.

Ideal candidates include:

Team leaders, program managers, and department directors ready to enhance their leadership effectiveness
Professionals transitioning into leadership roles or expanding their sphere of influence
Mid-career leaders seeking to strengthen their skills in navigating complexity and leading through change
Senior leaders looking to build more resilient teams and systems

We welcome a diverse mix of leaders from governmental public health agencies, healthcare organizations, insurance companies, community health centers, nonprofits, and civic and elected leaders. Everyone has a role in building healthy communities, and the Institute empowers leaders at this pivotal stage in their careers to create lasting change in complex environments.

Applications for the 2026 cohort (Year 20) are now open. Before you apply, please review our Application Instructions.

If you are interested in applying for the 2026 cohort or have questions about whether this program is right for you, please email Institute Director Brandon Drozd or call 402-559-3564.

When is the application deadline?

Year 20 Applications are due Friday, January 30, 2026.

When will I be notified of my acceptance status?

Applicants will be notified of acceptance status starting the week of February 16, 2026.

What is the fee for the Institute?

The fee for Year 20 (2026) attendance is $2,000. Payment must be made in full by March 13, 2026.

What is the refund policy?

No refunds will be made after March 13, 2026.

What is the Institute schedule?

The 2026 GPLI will run from March to October.

See below for preliminary Important Dates of Key Events/Components (dates in bold indicate in-person events).

Where do I send my application materials?

Please send application materials to our form.

To whom do I direct my questions?

Brandon Drozd
Institute Director
402-559-3564

Important Dates of Key Events/Components

Important Dates of Key Events/Components
Orientation Call	March 2026
Submit Pre-Assessments, Materials	April 2026
Kick-Off Intensive	April 19-22, 2026
Monthly Distance Education	May 2026 – September 2026
Learning Clusters	May 2026 – September 2026
Mentoring Opportunity	May 2026 – October 2026
Graduation Intensive	October 2026

Attendance Fees

The fee for 2026 attendance is $2,000. 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 experience, scholars can focus on their individual growth and development goals, create new and lasting relationships, and foster change within the organizations they serve.