American Express Leadership Academy Application

If you would like to save this form and come back to finish it later, you must first create a user account using the "create new account" link in the Log in form to the right. Once you have created your account and signed in, you can click on the "Save Draft" button on the application form at any time to save your progress.

Returning applicants can continue working on their applications by first logging in via the form to the right before viewing and updating their application information.

The ASU Lodestar Center encourages any emerging nonprofit leaders to apply to the leadership academy. Ideal candidates should meet these qualifications:

• Potential to advance to a leadership position in a nonprofit organization, whether as a board member or staff
• Nonprofit sector work experience
• Unique perspectives about issues facing the nonprofit sector
• Desire to commit time and talent helping nonprofits become world-class institutions.

We generally accept one candidate from an organization, but there can be exceptions. We suggest you discuss with your supervisor and/or board chair, to determine who from your organization may apply. Many organizations send an employee through each year.

This program requires a significant amount of time and commitment in order to get the full benefit of the experience. Many of the Valley’s top businesses and community leaders present at American Express Leadership Academy program days, so failing to attend even one class is a significant missed opportunity. Another great benefit of the class experience is getting to know your fellow class members and learning from each other.

Participants must fully participate in the 360° evaluation process at the beginning of the year, and each participant will have access to a number of professional coaching hours outside of the program.

The program also requires a team project to be completed outside of program days. Each project, created by community nonprofits, will be an opportunity to develop professional skills, and apply program lessons to benefit another nonprofit.

Participants must attend all program days to graduate. Only emergency situations will be considered for an excused absence. Participants may be excused from one program day, if necessary. If any participant misses two days, their eligibility for graduation will be reviewed by the ASU staff and the advisory committee. While the program agendas will allow for short breaks, participants should expect to be fully present and largely unavailable to work or family needs during class days. Applicants are strongly encouraged to give serious thought to this time commitment and to discuss it with their direct supervisor and Executive Director.

Those who are unable to commit to being fully available and present at all program days should apply another year when their schedules are more accommodating.

Application Process:

• May 21, 2021 — Applications due
• Late May to mid-June, 2021 — Interviews for selected applicants
• Week of June 21, 2021 — Applicants notified of program acceptance
• June 30, 2021 — Acceptance letters due/Tuition payments begin

Proposed dates for the program year are available on the FAQ page. They are based on current county and state guidelines regarding gatherings. A second schedule for a virtual model has also been developed, but we are currently planning for the hybrid programming schedule.

Ideal candidates may have:

• At least five years in the nonprofit sector, with the potential to advance
• Unique perspective to share with the cohort
• Desire/time to commit to a leadership training program

Candidates may work in a variety of capacities within the nonprofit sector. Successful graduates have included board members, nonprofit advisors, etc. Candidates from around Arizona are encouraged to apply.

The American Express Leadership Academy selection committee seeks a diverse group for the program. Applications will be reviewed by a select panel of ASU staff, community leaders and program alumni. Qualified applicants may then be selected for interviews to be conducted in May, and the announcement of the American Express Leadership Academy program participants will be made in June. Over the summer, those selected will be asked to complete pre-program work on their 360° review process.

There is a program fee of $995, plus a $30 application fee. The program fee covers all program costs including meals and program materials. This fee may be paid all, or in part, by your employer. Funds must be received by the first programming day.

Many thanks to the generosity of the American Express Foundation, lead supporter of the Academy. Additional thanks to SRP, Wells Fargo Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and CopperPoint Insurance for their assistance with program days, which helps keep tuition as low as possible. Thanks to sponsorship support this year, we are able to keep the program fee low.

The ASU Lodestar Center is pleased to offer a limited number of partial scholarships that will be awarded for American Express Leadership Academy. Scholarships can be applied for through our online scholarship form. Scholarship applications must be completed by the program's main application deadline.

For your application to be considered to be complete, you will need to obtain and submit two letters of recommendation. All applications and supporting materials (letters of recommendation) must be submitted to the ASU Lodestar Center by the application deadline. Late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

In order to assist you in the completion of this component of the application, we have created a fillable form for those who will be writing your recommendations. Please provide the link below to your reference person.

Recommendations can be submitted by the recommending party at https://lodestar.asu.edu/amex-ref

AmeriCorps alumni can now use the Segal Educational Award they received for their service to pay for all or part of the American Express Leadership Academy! If you are selected to participate in this year's academy cohort, you can allocate your Segal Award funds to pay for the academy by clicking on the following link and providing the necessary information.

Pay with your Segal Award

The application form will direct you to our payment gateway after you submit your application. You can also use this link to submit your application fee payment.