SoACE LEAD Program

SoACE LEAD Program

The SoACE LEAD Program is a cohort-based leadership development experience designed for SoACE members preparing for broader professional contributions, career advancement, and deeper engagement within the association.

Program Focus

LEAD provides broad exposure to four areas of professional and leadership development:

Strategic Leadership & Change

Leading with vision in times of complexity.

Student Support & Career Readiness

Championing student success from every role.

Data & Decision Making

Turning insight into action.

Partnerships & Collaboration

Building sustainable connections on and off campus.

2026–27 LEAD Program

Applications are now closed. The 2026–27 LEAD cohort begins in August 2026 and concludes in May 2027.

Applicants must be current SoACE members and have the support of their direct supervisor. Applications require a supervisor acknowledgment confirming the organization's support of the applicant's participation.

The program fee for accepted participants is $500, inclusive of program fees and materials.

LEAD Scholarship Opportunity

SoACE offers scholarships to two LEAD participants to help offset the financial cost of participating in the program.

Applicants interested in scholarship consideration may indicate their interest as part of the LEAD application and provide a brief statement describing their need for financial support, including considerations such as limited professional development funding or institutional constraints.

What to Expect in the Application

When applications are open, applicants should be prepared to provide basic professional information, upload a résumé, and respond to several short essay questions. The application cannot be saved and resumed later, so applicants are encouraged to prepare their responses before beginning.

Application Information

Contact information • Résumé • Functional area(s) • Years of professional experience • Supervisor endorsement

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? 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 Schedule

LEAD participants meet virtually each month from August through May. Regular sessions require approximately two hours of active engagement and are held from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00–11:00 a.m. CT.

Fall 2026

August 27
September 24
October 29
November 19

Spring 2027

January 28
February 25
March 25
April 29
May 27 – Graduation

Annual Conference Meet Up
December 7–9, 2026 • Atlanta, Georgia
Attendance is encouraged but not required.

Participants interact with invited faculty presenters, SoACE leadership, and members of their LEAD cohort. Participants are expected to reserve session times on their calendars, review required materials in advance, and actively engage in program conversations and activities.

While Annual Conference attendance is not required, participation in conference-based program and cohort activities is strongly encouraged.

Interested in a Future LEAD Cohort?

Information about future LEAD cohorts, application dates, and informational sessions will be posted on this page as it becomes available.

Questions about the SoACE LEAD Program?
Contact the SoACE Office at [email protected].