Hometown Leadership Institute

Inspiring Local Leadership for a Stronger Holt County

HomeTown Leadership Institute – so much more than just a leadership program!

What inspires you about rural Nebraska? Is it the small town closeness? The main street businesses? The great place to raise your kids? There are so many great things about living in rural Nebraska.

Still not convinced, or maybe you are and would like to know more? Join the HomeTown Leadership Institute, Holt County’s versatile and rewarding leadership program, to be inspired to build a stronger rural community in Holt County.

2023 Holt County HomeTown Leadership Institute Class Graduates

Learn about the people and places that make living in Holt County great!
Network with other Holt County residents passionate about living in rural Nebraska.
Develop partnerships with local leaders and businesses.
Learn about different businesses, organizations and volunteer opportunities throughout Holt County.
Develop personal and professional leadership skills along the way.

HomeTown Leadership Institute typically meets the second Wednesday of the month from March through October. Sessions run from approximately 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (hours may be extended for travel). Meeting locations are held throughout Holt County.

Sessions cover the following topics all with a focus on Holt County and life in a rural community:

Leadership
Economic Development and Housing
Local Government
Agriculture
Education
Entrepreneurship
Health, Wellness & Human Services
Community Foundations, Nonprofits & Volunteerism

Tuition for the 2024 leadership program is $200.00, due by March 1, 2024. This covers 8 full day sessions, lunches, and t-shirts. Tuition is non-refundable. For scholarship opportunities to cover tuition, contact Holt County Economic Development at (402) 336-1504 or info@growholt.com.

Join the ranks of the other 214 participants that have graduated from HomeTown Leadership Institute. Click on HLI Alumni to view a list of past graduates.

To apply for the HomeTown Leadership Institute, click Apply to Join or stop by the Holt County Economic Development office in the O’Neill Depot Building, 330 E. Hancock Street, O’Neill, NE 68763.

The 2024 HomeTown Leadership Institute begins on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Deadline to submit applications for the 2024 HomeTown Leadership Institute is March 1, 2024 or until class limit is reached, space is limited.

For more information, contact our office at (402) 336-1504 or info@growholt.com.

APPLY TO JOIN

HOMETOWN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE ALUMNI

Tyler Stracke

“HomeTown Leadership Institute not only opened my eyes to a lot of Holt County’s offerings that I didn’t know existed, but also became a great networking resource with the local businesses. The class was a great experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone considering it.”

– Tyler Stracke, HLI Class XIV, 2018

Therese Liewer

“Being a newcomer to a small town, the HLI helped me learn so much about Holt County. I am so excited to get involved in our community and grateful for the opportunity to meet some amazing people.”

– Therese Liewer, HLI Class XIV, 2018

Mark Stracke

“If you want to know more about what is happening in Holt County, this is the class to take.”

– Mark Stracke, HLI Class XIV, 2018

Brooke Farewell

“HomeTown Leadership Institute is beneﬁcial to all members of Holt County. Through the class I was exposed to a lot of businesses and services Holt County offers that I was unaware of. We belong to a community with a lot to offer that is committed to facilitating growth. I now have a better idea of how I can serve not only the town I live in, but the entire county as a whole. It was fun to get to know members of the surrounding towns and come together to see how we can help one another. I walked away from each monthly class with at least one piece of new information and goals to better serve our community.”

-Brooke Farewell, HLI Class XV, 2019