Emerging Leaders Fellows Program
Applications for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Fellows Program are now open!
This program is a offered every other year. The next cycle will open in 2028.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Mississippi Economic Development Council's Emerging Leaders Fellows Program is designed to strengthen rising professionals in economic development. Fellows will gain leadership skills, broaden industry knowledge, and grow their professional networks.
Who Can Apply?
- Have less than 5 years of experience in the profession and/or be 35 years or younger.
- Be an active MEDC member.
- Not a Member Already? Join MEDC Here
- Must be able to attend all sessions in person. (Dates and locations listed below)
2026 PROGRAM DATES
This is a draft timeline. Some dates are subject to changes. Examples of past dates can be seen below.*Attendance optional, but strongly encouraged. Registration fee not included in Emerging Leaders Tuition.
| October 20, 2025 | Application Opens |
| Nov. 17, 2025 | Application Due |
| Dec. 8, 2025 Dec. 22, 2025 | Acceptance Letters Sent Fellows Confirm Participation |
| Program Sessions | |
| Jan. 28 - 30, 2026 | Orientation and Session 1 (Tupelo) |
| Feb. 5, 2026 | Mini Workshop + MEDC Legislative Reception (Jackson) |
| April 2026 | Session 2 (Pinebelt or Delta) |
| June 3-5, 2026 | *MEDC Annual Conference (Biloxi) |
| Sept. 2026 | Session 3 (Coastal MS Tour) |
| Nov. 3-4, 2026 | Session 4 (Greater Jackson Metro) |
| Nov. 4 – 5, 2025 | *MEDC Fall Conference (Flowood) |
| Nov. 5, 2026 | Graduation/ Award Ceremony (Flowood) |
|
PROGRAM TOPICS
- Leadership Skills
- Product Development
- Site Restrictions & Solutions
- Marketing Your Community & Assets
- Business Development & Partnerships
- Talent Attraction & Retention
- Negotiations & Closing the Deal
Topics may very year to year.
PROGRAM COST
- $500 tuition (due with an acceptance letter)
- Travel expenses for in-person sessions.
- Optional, but strongly encouraged: MEDC Annual Conference and MEDC Fall Conference registration fees.
HOW TO APPLY?
1.) Complete and submit the APPLICATION FORM.
2.) Attach a Resume and a Cover Letter (including any past leadership training and professional development)
3.) Include a Letter of Endorsement from your Executive Director or Board President.
Submit all application items to Gwen Howard at ghoward@medc.ms.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Monday, November 17, 2025
2024 PROGRAM DATES
*Previous schedule for reference.
|
January 26, 2024 |
Application Process Opens |
|
February 29, 2023 |
Application Deadline |
|
March 15, 2023 |
Acceptance Letters Sent |
|
March 29, 2024 |
Applicants Accept/Decline Acceptance to Program |
|
April 16, 2024 |
Orientation and Session 1 (DeSoto County) |
|
July 16 - 17, 2024 |
Session 2 (Coastal MS) |
|
October 23 - 24, 2024 |
Session 3 (Hattiesburg) |
|
January 30 - 31, 2025 |
Session 4 (Northeast MS) |
|
February 5 - 6, 2025 |
Graduation/ Award Ceremony (Jackson) |