RDLN Rural Development Institute

Join us for a month of intensive study and peer exchange!
Use your home situation and field work as case material
Learn about rural issues and tools for rural development, economics and economic development, organization and management
Field trip to community groups in the Central Valley and along the coast
Learn from practitioners and professors
Use the resources of a mainstream campus

To find out more or to apply for the Institute, click here.
Institute cost: $3,500

Note: There is a separate application and separate Sponsoring
Organization contribution for those applying for the degree program.
You may apply before identifying your Sponsoring Organization
contribution.

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RDLN Degree Program
Earn a degree while working in rural communities!

The Program - Duration: 18-36 months. Demanding curriculum includes: Field Project implementation, related independent study, RDLN Rural Development Institute (4 1/2 weeks) at the University of California at Davis for intensive study, exchange and networking. Qualified participants may earn a certificate, Ph. D, master’s or bachelor’s degree through cooperating universities. Each RDLN Leader works with the guidance of a Field Advisor and Study Advisors. Each has a Sponsoring Organization which serves as an umbrella for the Field Project and contributes financially to RDLN. The amount required is $7,500-$20,000 (B.A. or M.A. degree option).

Application Procedure - Write to RDLN for an application, to include: autobiographical essay describing previous work in rural community development, outline of proposed RDLN Field Project and study program, resumé, other background material, three letters of recommendation. Telephone interviews of finalists. Sponsoring Organizations: Write to RDLN for information and agreement form. You will be asked to commit programmatic, financial, and logistical support for the RDLN Leader you sponsor.

Criteria For Selection - 1) Proven dedication to community-based rural community development, 2) For master’s degree, B.A. degree. For B.A., prefer two years of college, 3) Commitment to building relationships with other rural people and communities, 4) Willingness to report regularly to RDLN, 5) Ability to work cooperatively and in self-directed, self-motivated way, 6) Presentation of a feasible and valuable RDLN Community Development Project, 7) Sponsorship by an organization which can make the required programmatic and financial contribution to RDLN.

Application Schedule - Telephone interview, academic transcripts required. While your application is being processed, you may continue identifying funds for the Sponsoring Organization contribution The RDLN Rural Development Institute is held every other year.

For more about applying to the educational programs, click here
For an application, click here
Or call us at (212) 777-9137. Or email us at rdln@ruraldevelopment.org.
Know others who might be interested in applying? Download a flyer about the program here.