About
Purpose
The Thad Cochran Agricultural Leadership Program (TCALP) is the premier educational and personal development organization for emerging leaders in the agriculture industry in Mississippi.
TCALP provides a comprehensive and immersive experience that equips emerging leaders in Mississippi's agriculture industry with the skills, knowledge, and network needed to drive positive change, both within their organizations and throughout the state's agricultural community.
Program Objectives
- Prepare participants to accept leadership responsibility in agriculture, agribusiness, and rural communities.
- Enhance participants’ ability to represent agriculture as effective communicators.
- Broaden understanding of major policy issues, especially issues facing agriculture and rural communities.
- Gain an understanding of the effects of globalization on agriculture and rural communities.
- Facilitate participant collaboration with other professionals serving agriculture and rural communities.
- Foster an entrepreneurial culture in rural communities that will adapt to fluctuating markets and changing policies.
- Encourage lifelong learning and development as a leader and to share those leadership skills with others.
Program Format and Schedule
TCALP consists of nine seminars over the course of twenty-two months. Six seminars will be hosted in locations around the state. Each in-state seminar will contain approximately two full days of learning experiences, balancing leadership content with in-depth agriculture learning. The three remaining seminars will consist of study tours to another state, Washington, D.C., as well as an international experience.
Tentative Program Schedule*
| Application Year | |
| November | Seminar I Orientation: Fundamentals of Leadership (MSU Main Campus) |
| Year 1 | |
| January | Seminar II Public Policy in Mississippi (State Capitol) |
| February | Seminar III Adapting to Change and Emerging Technologies (Mississippi Coast) |
| June | Seminar IV Production and Processes: Population, Production, Consumption, and Global Competition (Mississippi Delta) |
| November | Seminar V Federal Policy, Legislation, and Agencies (Washington, DC) |
| Year 2 | |
| January | Seminar VI Out-of-State Ag Leadership/Production (Arizona) |
| June | Seminar VII International Policy, Trade and Global Markets (International Trip) |
| August | Seminar VIII Agriculture and the Community: Economic Development (Starkville/Tupelo, MS) |
| October | Graduation (MSU Main Campus) |
*Specific dates will be published for each class when applications open. Order of seminars are subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, resident of Mississippi or actively working in Mississippi, and be involved in the agriculture industry or closely related industry. There are no specific educational requirements.
Application Process
Interested persons will submit their application materials online through the TCALP website. Materials submitted shall include:
- Completed participant application form
- Current resume
- Statement of interest
- Contact information for three (3) references
The application form, as well as additional information, can be found here.
Selection Criteria
TCALP class participants will be selected based upon demonstrated motivation to improve their leadership, management, and communication skills in order to elevate the image and profitability of Mississippi agriculture and enhance the quality of life in rural communities. The program seeks individuals who possess:
- a dedicated commitment to agriculture and to the success of TCALP.
- a desire to learn, participate, collaborate, network, and attend all seminars.
- demonstrated leadership qualities and potential for leadership growth
- character, integrity, personality, and a solid reputation among family members, peers, and employers.
There is no age requirement, however, applicants selected for participation will have an established record of experience in the industry. If an applicant has limited experience, it may be recommended that they reapply for a future class.
Program Expenses
Participants will be responsible for paying a tuition fee, determined prior to applications being accepted. The first installment of tuition will be due after notification of selection, prior to the first seminar. The second installment will be due at the beginning of the second year. In addition to tuition, participants will be responsible for their travel costs to each in-state seminar, hotel/traveling incidentals, and a few meals when a group activity is not planned. Participants will also be responsible for obtaining a passport and any necessary visas and health care costs prior to the international seminar. TCALP will cover all materials, lodging, dining, and other costs associated with each seminar, as well as transportation costs during each seminar and transportation costs to out-of-state seminars.
For more detailed information, please review the complete participant handbook.