The Washington Agriculture and Forestry Foundation, which has its main offices in Spokane, says it’s seeking qualified candidates statewide for up to 24 fellowships in Leadership Class No. 38 of its AgForestry Leadership Program.

Prospective candidates can download the application packet at www.agforestry.org. The deadline for applications is April 30.

The AgForestry Leadership Program is designed to help those working within and connected to the natural resources industries in Washington state to develop strong leadership, critical thinking, and communications skills, the foundation says.

The program enables accepted applicants to continue their normal work schedules while participating in 14 seminars over an 18-month period, for a total commitment of 58 days, it says.

Each year, up to 24 people from a range of industries are selected for the program, and they attend 12, three-day seminars throughout the state on topics such as public speaking and group dynamics, working with the media, crime and corrections, social issues, and public policy.

They also learn about state and national government, including spending a week in Washington, D.C., and study international culture, trade, and government with a 14-day seminar in a foreign country.

Foundation investors cover most of the program costs, with each class member responsible for a participation fee that includes membership in the foundation and access to an AgForestry network of more than 1,000 program alumni.

Interested candidates can visit the previously mentioned website to learn more about the program and to begin the application process. Information and applications also can be requested by contacting the foundation at (509) 926-9113 or leaders@agforestry.org. All applicants will be interviewed by a panel of alumni and non-alumni leaders on June 3, with the first seminar for Leadership Class 38 starting in October.