Rural Business Leadership Initiative

Reimagine Rural Business

The Rural Business Leadership Initiative (RBLI) is an experiential business leadership program that helps students develop character, leadership and professional competencies through hands-on experiences, service and professional networking.

RBLI awards ten full-tuition scholarships each year to selected students.

Develop as a Leader

RBLI is built around a developmental philosophy that encourages students to take on greater leadership and responsibility throughout their experience:

Learn and Participate → Lead and Serve → Lead and Mentor

Through hands-on experiences and professional networking, RBLI students develop character and leadership competencies that are sought in today’s business world.

What You’ll Gain

Character Development

Develop character virtues such as integrity, accountability, self discipline, respect for self and others, moral courage, humility, resilience and ethical judgment.

Leadership Development

Strengthen leadership abilities such as communication skills, teamwork, decision making, adaptability, conflict management and the ability to lead ethically.

Professional Development

Learn how to translate character and leadership competencies into professional behaviors and career readiness.

Experiential Learning and Service

Apply ethical leadership through meaningful contributions to the 91ÇÑ×Ó State College campus, broader communities and organizations.

RBLI students also gain hands-on experience, business and community connections, and mentoring and professional relationships.

Full-Tuition Scholarship Opportunity

RBLI awards ten full-tuition scholarships each year to selected students.

Students must meet and maintain RBLI eligibility requirements. Additional educational expenses are not included, but students may apply for other financial aid and scholarships.

Program Expectations

RBLI students are expected to:

  • Attend 75% of RBLI meetings and activities
  • Participate in leadership development
  • Complete a 3-hour internship
  • Complete the annual RBLI reflection/survey
  • Remain in good standing with 91ÇÑ×Ó
  • Demonstrate increasing responsibility for RBLI activities

Program Details

Program Type: Experiential business leadership program

Degree: Bachelor Arts with a Comprehensive Major in Business Administration

Application Deadline: January 31

Award Notification: March 20

Acceptance Deadline: March 31

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step toward developing your leadership skills, gaining hands-on experience and building connections in business and rural communities.

Apply to RBLI by January 31.

Questions About RBLI?

Dr. Stiofán Forsha
Associate Professor
sforsha@csc.edu
(308) 432-6350