BURKE, SD – The Billie Sutton Leadership Institute is now accepting applications for its 2026 Sutton Leaders and Rural POWER programs, a free, year-long leadership development opportunity for South Dakotans committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
Founded by former State Senator and 2018 gubernatorial candidate Billie Sutton, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Institute equips emerging and established leaders with the skills, confidence, and community needed to create meaningful change across the state.
Since launching in 2019, the Billie Sutton Leadership Institute has served 7 cohorts and 105 leaders, representing more than 38 communities across South Dakota through its two program tracks.
Sutton Leaders is designed for adults of all ages who are interested in public service or becoming more engaged in their communities.
Rural POWER, sponsored by the South Dakota Farmers Union, focuses on cultivating a new generation of rural leaders with an emphasis on leadership opportunities within rural cooperatives.
Participants in both program tracks train together throughout the year and take part in two immersive, in-person, expenses-paid leadership retreats, along with ongoing mentorship, monthly virtual check-ins, online trainings, and networking opportunities.
Leaders also design and carry out self-directed Community Engagement Projects that address local needs and create lasting impact.
“The Sutton Leadership Institute provides a rare opportunity for South Dakotans to grow as leaders while staying rooted in their communities,” said Sutton. “By investing in people, we strengthen our towns, our state, and our shared future.”
The 2026 cohort will kick off with a Spring Retreat April 17–19 in Gregory, SD, followed by a Fall Retreat September 25–27 in Burke, SD.
Applications and nominations for the 2026 program are open February 1–28, 2026.
Interested individuals can apply or nominate a leader online at https://suttonleadership.org
