Rural Economic Development Institute
Since its inception in 1987, the NC Rural Center has recognized the vital importance of local leadership to the success of our state’s rural areas.
The Center’s flagship leadership program, the Rural Economic Development Institute (REDI), has trained 1,200 rural leaders. REDI offers participants collaborative leadership skills and rural development strategies to help them return home and make a meaningful impact in their communities. Upon graduating from REDI, graduates of the program become part of a larger alumni network of leaders. Each year, REDI welcomes local, state, and federal government staff, nonprofit and faith-based leaders, business owners, elected officials, economic development professionals, and other community-minded people for nine days of intensive, in-person rural community economic development training. The training is held at the Rural Center's offices in Raleigh. Please see the timeline below for additional information.
September 15, 2024 | Application period closes
September 20, 2024 | Accepted applicants are notified and registration opens
September 29, 2024 | Registration completed ($3,500 training fee is due)
October 15-17, 2024 | Session I
November 12-14, 2024 | Session II
December 10-12, 2024 | Session III
Applications for REDI 2024 are now closed. The application will open for the next cohort in early August 2025.
Celebrating 30 Years of REDI
"REDI opened my mind to new possibilities. . .that there were people all over North Carolina that cared about my community"
Carol Shields
“The whole experience really enhanced my knowledge and skill set as a leader in a rural area. It challenged a lot of my preconceived notions while giving me thought-provoking questions to grow the more underdeveloped aspects of my leadership.”
REDI PARTICIPANT
Want to learn more?
Olaunda Green View Biography
Director of Leadership TrainingWoman of Faith. Wife. Girl Mom. Extrovert. Foodie. Traveler.