RALEIGH, NC – The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) has awarded a $109,361 grant to NC State Extension to launch the 2026 cohort of the Academy to Advance Leadership within Extension (AALE), a newly expanded, year-long leadership development program designed to strengthen leadership capacity and impact across North Carolina’s agricultural and rural communities.
“This investment supports our commitment to developing future leaders who will serve our state’s agriculture, Extension system and rural communities,” said Dave Herpy, Extension Organizational Development Coordinator for NC State Extension.
About the Grant & the NCTTFC
The NCTTFC, created by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2000, was established to help mitigate the economic impact of the decline in the tobacco industry by investing in programs that support agriculture, workforce training, rural development and community revitalization. The Commission’s grants place priority on projects that benefit tobacco-dependent communities, strengthen farm profitability, promote diversification and develop resources for rural economies. This latest award supports leadership development within the Extension network to ensure that county-based professionals are equipped to lead, innovate and serve across the state.
About AALE
The Academy to Advance Leadership within Extension (AALE) is aimed at current and emerging leaders within NC State Extension. The 2026 program will include five immersive sessions, each focused on a specific leadership theme:
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Session 1: Leading Self – January 27-29, 2026
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Session 2: Leading Others – March 24-26, 2026
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Session 3: Leading Teams – May 26-28, 2026
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Session 4: Leading Organizations – September 29-October 1, 2026
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Session 5: Leading Change & Graduation – December 1-3, 2026
Each session will include leadership assessments, field-trips, group meals, lodging and interactive content delivered in partnership with the Shelton Leadership Center. The program is fully funded through the grant for participants. Thanks to the NCTTFC award, eligible Extension professionals can participate without program tuition cost.
Why This Matters
By investing in leadership development, NC State Extension seeks to strengthen its organizational effectiveness, support agricultural stakeholders (including current and former tobacco farmers), and equip county-based professionals with the skills to lead in today’s changing contexts. “This initiative aligns with our mission to empower people and communities, and build leadership that ensures Extension remains responsive, dynamic and impactful,” said Dave Herpy, Program Lead for AALE.
For more information, visit cals.ncsu.edu/initiatives/leadership/about/aale/
