IALP FAQ
What are the requirements to participate in the program?
What is the application and selection process?
Is there an application fee?
How much time do participants need to commit?
How much is tuition?
What are the participants expected to pay for?
What do employers pay for?
What is the return on investment for employers?
What is the return on investment for participants?
What do I do now?
Apply to be a member of the IALP Class of 2027 HERE.
What are the requirements to participate in the program?
- Persons aged 25-49 (as of August 28, 2025)
- Full-time employment in production agriculture or agri-related occupations
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident residing in Illinois or adjoining counties to Illinois and whose sphere of influence is in Illinois Agriculture.
- Demonstrate leadership qualities and potential
- Commitment to attend all seminars, including travel seminars
- Demonstrate a commitment to remain in an agricultural profession in Illinois during the 19-month program.
- Obtain written consent from employer (if applicable) to take off the required time.
- If self-employed must be able to leave the business for the required time.
What is the application and selection process?
- Applications are typically available beginning in June, and are completed online. The application process has two selective phases:
- The first phase is a written application requiring detailed information to determine a candidate’s eligibility for the program.
- The second phase is a face-to-face interview with a screening committee.
- In addition to applications, the process requires that you have several items ready when you begin the application.
- Digital photo of the applicant.
- Applicant resume.
- The names and contact information for three people who will provide personal and professional recommendations.
- Applicants will also develop answers to leadership questions provided once the application process begins.
- Employer statement will be required, if applicable.
- Face-to-face interviews of qualified applicants with board screening committee are held in May.
- Applicants are notified of the selection outcome in June.
- Up to 30 participants may be selected for each class.
- Individuals are selected for the IALP based upon demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to leadership and ability to represent a varied cross-section of the agricultural industry.
Is there an application fee?
- There is no fee for applying to the program.
How much time do participants need to commit?
- Participants must commit to approximately 55 seminar days over a 19-month period. Attendance at all seminars is mandatory.
FIRST YEAR
August to July. - Eight seminars, including the National Study Seminar.
- Seminars are typically 2 1/2 – 3 days each.
- The National Study Seminar generally held in early March is 7 days.
- SECOND YEAR
- October to February.
- Four seminars, including the International Study Seminar. – Seminars are typically 2 1/2 – 3 days each.
- The International Study Seminar held in late February – early March is 14 days.
- Participants will have additional travel time to and from each seminar location, which may amount to extra days depending on where a participant lives.
- Reading: Books may be assigned to read prior to some seminars.
- Fellows are expected to assume leadership responsibilities immediately, participate in post-graduate leadership activities and contribute to the sustainability of IALP.
Is there tuition or cost for participating in the program?
- The participation fee for the 19-month program is $4,000.
What are the participants expected to pay for?
- Incidental expenses.
- Miscellaneous expenses (tips, gifts, donations, personal items, etc.).
- Transportation to and from in-state seminars.
- Some Incidental meal expenses.
- Transportation to and from departure airports for National and International Study Seminars.
What do employers pay for?
- Employer costs vary depending on how they support their employee during the program (e.g., employee time off and other expenses).
What is the return on investment for employers?
- Identify and train leaders for the business or organization.
- Develop talent to keep companies on the cutting edge of change and growth.
- Identify and train potential successors.
- Develop key individuals as colleagues and team leaders.
What is the return on investment for participants?
- Develop essential tools to enhance leadership skills and strengths. Through individualized coaching, focus on specific learning activities to enhance the ability to motivate and lead.
- Acquire strong communication skills.
- Understand the difference between leadership and management. Deal effectively, competently and confidently with complicated Issues and challenges that affect Illinois and national agriculture.
- Understand, articulate, and confront different perspectives on issues or challenges.
- Respond proactively to challenges that affect organizations, businesses, and communities.
- Learn to convert a vision into action through effective and appropriate planning, communication and motivation.
- Strengthen effectiveness in organizing and utilizing teams.
What should I do now?
- Now is the time to begin the application for the next class! Don’t wait until the last minute because your references and other forms need to be complete by the due date. You may begin your application whenever works for you and can save and work on it as you move forward. Should you have any questions you may contact Todd Lowery at 309/837-7711.
