Leadership Academy

The NACEP Leadership Academy was an enriching experience, bringing together a diverse cohort of education professionals united by a shared passion for dual enrollment. Learning alongside leaders from various roles deepened my perspective and strengthened my commitment to expanding opportunities for students. In every in-person and virtual meeting, I felt inspired and energized, leaving with new ideas and a renewed sense of purpose. Most importantly, I felt heard and understood—despite coming from different states and roles, we were all facing the same challenges, creating a strong sense of connection and shared mission.

Brenda Kinney | School Counselor & Dual Enrollment Coordinator in Dual Enrollment, Houston High School

NACEP LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Lead, inspire, and impact the field of concurrent and dual enrollment as a member of NACEP’s Leadership Academy.

Are you looking for a professional development opportunity to challenge you as a leader on the national stage? This opportunity is perfect for NACEP members who are early to mid-career professionals and eager for a challenge that will broaden their experience from the program level to the national stage.

The NACEP Leadership Academy aims to help catalyze your natural skills in leadership, communication, and collaboration while integrating you as a professional into NACEP’s work through volunteerism and a rigorous capstone project.

This year-long experience will combine virtual meetings and in-person retreats. Academy participants meet monthly for activities, topical seminars, and peer-to-peer discussions. Participants will meet in-person for a leadership retreat at our National Conference and also attend NACEP’s Washington Policy Seminar, in Washington, DC.

Leadership Academy participants are partnered with a mentor one-on-one to develop and execute a capstone project that results in a NACEP-supporting project such as the production of a NACEP issue brief, webinar series, focus group development/analysis, or a NACEP Commission-focused project. Participants have the opportunity to gain national visibility for their project through NACEP and our events, publications, and member outreach.

Being a part of the NACEP Leadership Academy was a professionally transformative experience in so many ways. I was a part of a cohort with peers from across the country and connected with experts that enhanced my knowledge base within the dual enrollment space and beyond. I walked away with resources and tools to help guide my work and also made professional connections that continues to enhance my professional growth and success.

Shay Wadher | Director, K-12 Partnerships,Raritan Valley Community College
Program Dates

The Leadership Academy Kickoff Retreat will be at NACEP’s 2025 National Conference in Los Angeles, California on October 26-28.

Participant Committment

As a participant in the NACEP Leadership Academy, commitment is important to growing and expanding equity and access in the field. To help develop and implement leadership skills, Cohort members are expected to:

  • Actively participate in monthly, virtual meetings.
  • Meet regularly with a mentor.
  • Attend the Leadership Launch Retreat at NACEP’s 2025 National Conference in Los Angeles, California on October 26-28.
  • Attend NACEP’s Leadership Academy Spring 2026 retreat which may include attending the 2026 Washington Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C.
  • Attend the 2026 NACEP National Conference.

*Participants are responsible for travel costs.

Develop and complete a capstone project that supports NACEP’s work in one of the following areas:

  • Produce a NACEP publication (Issue Brief, Blog, etc.).
  • Development and execute a webinar series.
  • Present at a national and/or statewide conference.
  • Develop a project focused on supporting one of the NACEP initiatives and strategic plan.
  • Develop a project of your own design related to equity and access in concurrent or dual enrollment on a national or state level.



Program Cost

A $500 non-refundable participation fee for those accepted into the program.

Participants or their institutions are expected to cover all other costs associated with participating, including registration and travel to required in-person events

Scholarship Opportunity

NACEP’s Engagement Commission is offering one full scholarship for this activity. This scholarship will cover the participation fee, registration for both the NACEP National Conference and Washington Policy Seminar.

Application Closed

The NACEP Leadership Academy provided me with so many opportunities: strong relationships with colleagues across the United States, a capstone project which taught me actionable things for my daily work, and an amazing mentor to work with! Most importantly, it prepared me to engage with NACEP more fully, in a leadership role on the Advocacy Commission.

Mallory Stevens | Pathways Support Consultant in BACCC, Bay Area Community College Consortium