SoACE LEAD Program

The SoACE Leadership Development Committee is pleased to continue the 6th offering of the LEAD Program! This cohort-based program has been designed for SoACE members preparing for broader contributions, career advancement, and deeper engagement within SoACE.

Areas of broad exposure will include:

    • Strategic Leadership & Change: Leading with vision in times of complexity
    • Student Support & Career Readiness: Advising for impact across identities and interests
    • Data & Decision Making: Turning insight into action
    • Partnerships & Collaboration: Building sustainable connections on and off campus.

2026 Application

APPLY (July 14 Deadline)

Applicants must be current members of SoACE and have the support of their direct supervisor. All applications must include supervisor's acknowledgment indicating that your organization will endorse your participation in this program. Please be prepared to answer all questions. This application must be fully completed and signed before review by the selection committee.

If your application is approved, the fee for the program is $500, inclusive of all program fees and materials.

Scholarship Opportunity

SoACE offers one LEAD participant a scholarship to help cover the financial costs of the program.

Applicants interested in being considered for the scholarship will have an opportunity to indicate this on the application and provide a brief statement describing their need for financial support, including any relevant considerations such as limited professional development funding or institutional constraints.

Required Application Questions

You will need to have all the responses prepared when completing the application. There is not an option to save and continue your work. You will also need your supervisor to complete a brief endorsement of your application into the program.

  1. Contact Information
  2. Resume
  3. Functional Area(s)
  4. Years of Experience

Essay Questions

  1. Describe your current involvement with SoACE. Include any committees, events, volunteer roles, or other ways you have engaged, and provide specific examples of your participation.
  2. What are 2–3 areas of professional growth you hope to develop through the LEAD Program? Please explain how participating in LEAD will support your development in these areas.
  3. How do you plan to contribute to SoACE after completing the LEAD Program? Share any ideas, goals, or specific ways you hope to stay engaged and make an impact.

2026/27 Program Dates

Participation involves monthly sessions delivered virtually requiring 2 hours (120 minutes) of active engagement with a video conferencing/learning platform system. These monthly sessions will begin in August and conclude in May of the following year. The meetings will be held on the following dates from from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET/ 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. CT.

  • August 27
  • September 24
  • October 29
  • November 19
  • Annual Conference Meet Up (December 7-9; not required)
  • January 28
  • February 25
  • March 25
  • April 29
  • May 27 (Graduation)

Participation involves interacting professionally with invited faculty presenters, SoACE leadership, and members of the SoACE LEAD Fellows cohort. To provide an optimal learning environment, participants will be expected to reflect monthly sessions (and other SoACE LEAD activities) on their work/personal calendars to limit interruptions, review required readings in advance of sessions, and to engage in conversation with respect and professionalism.

While not a requirement, attending the SoACE Annual Conference for program delivery and cohort activities is strongly encouraged.

Interested in Learning More?

Is SoACE LEAD Right for You? Program Overview and Q&A
June 30, 2026 | 1:00 PM ET

Interested in SoACE LEAD? Join members of the Design Team and past participants for an overview of the program and what participants can expect from the experience—from structure and time commitment to key outcomes and professional growth opportunities.

This interactive session will also include an open Q&A, giving you the chance to ask questions about the program, application process, and how to determine if LEAD is the right fit for you.

Register Here

If you have any questions, please contact the SoACE Office - [email protected].