Building a strong workforce starts with investing in the next generation. Through programs like Junior Elevate Leadership Institute (Jr. ELI), Elevate Rapid City is helping young people develop leadership skills, explore career opportunities and build connections within their community.
On October 22, 25 eighth-grade students from Rapid City Area Schools participated in the fourth annual Junior ELI. Hosted in partnership with RCAS, the one-day program brought students together with local business and community leaders for hands-on learning focused on communication, building relationships, personal responsibility and community involvement.
Led by alumni of the Elevate Leadership Institute program, students practiced skills such as giving and receiving feedback, navigating difficult conversations and working with others. They also heard from members of the Youth City Council and Student School Board about opportunities to get involved and make their voices heard.
Students then got a firsthand look at leadership in action at The Monument. They watched the Rapid City Rush practice and met with Head Coach Dave Smith to discuss teamwork and personal values. A behind-the-scenes tour of The Summit Arena introduced students to the planning, coordination and decision-making involved in operating a major community venue.
"Through Junior ELI, we want students to recognize that they already have the ability to be leaders, whether that's in their classrooms, among their peers or in the community," said Bailey Sadowsky, Elevate Leadership Institute Program Director. "By connecting them with local leaders and giving them opportunities to practice these skills, we're helping build the confidence they need to take on new challenges in high school and beyond."
An important part of Junior ELI is the involvement of graduates from Elevate's adult Leadership Institute. This year's program included alumni from all six cohorts, representing businesses and organizations across the Rapid City region.
Their involvement reflects the broader impact of Elevate's leadership development efforts. By connecting established professionals with students, the program helps build relationships across generations while introducing young people to the opportunities available in their community.
Junior ELI is one part of Elevate Rapid City's ongoing work to develop local talent and strengthen the region's future workforce.
The 2026 Junior ELI was made possible by Black Hills Energy, Scull Construction, Pete Lien & Sons, Casey Peterson, Friends of the Children – He Sapa and The Monument, along with the ELI alumni and community partners who volunteered their time and expertise.
Alumni were: Amanda Dilling, Monument Health; Jake Losett, Scull Construction; Bobbi Schaefbauer, Rapid City Area Schools; Stephany Chalberg, Monument Health; Devin Pfaff, Casey Peterson; Ingrid Reuter, First Interstate Bank; Tessa Zastrow, Black Hills Energy; Nick Van Dyne, Black Hills Coffee Co.; Tim Doyle, Rapid City Police Department; Alexcia Kalal, Rapid City Police Department; Colin Highland, Pete Lien & Sons; Tyresha Grey Horse; Keith Ferguson; Austin Eichacker, Ketel Thorstenson, LLP; and Sam Harkin, South Dakota Mines.