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 2025 leadership program is $200.00, due by March 1, 2025. 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 227 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. Click here for an online fillable PDF application.

The 2024 HomeTown Leadership Institute begins on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

Deadline to submit applications for the 2025 HomeTown Leadership Institute is March 1, 2025 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

Lori Mathews

“I was lucky enough to be in the HLI 2024 Fall class!! What an experience it was!!! I have 13 ?? new friends and am in the know of many small businesses that I was not aware of until this class!! My new friends and I got to meet 1x a month, network, eat lunch, explore, learn, and travel all over Holt County and see what it really does have to offer!! I am proud to live in Holt County!! I can’t express enough thanks to my boss for allowing me to join this group and appreciate Mike’s guidance through it all!!”

–Lori Mathews, HLI Class XIX, 2024

Stefani Colfack

“I’ve lived in Holt County most of my life, and I was amazed to learn so much about the area that I didn’t know existed. It was a great experience to network with others from across the county and build new connections.”

–Stefani Colfack, HLI Class XIX, 2024

Emily Morrow

“Originally being from O’Neill, you may feel like this class isn’t a fit, but speaking from experience this was the perfect opportunity to meet people and learn things about my community that I never knew!”

–Emily Morrow, HLI Class XVIII, 2023

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