Leadership Academy Application

Apply Now for the Class of 2028!

Now through December 5, 2025, the ANCOR Foundation is soliciting applications for the Leadership Academy Class of 2028!

Applicants selected for the Class of 2028 will begin their two-year journey in the spring of 2026, with graduation anticipated at ANCOR Connect ’28 (May 8-10, 2028 in Denver).

To apply, carefully read the instructions contained in the form below and complete each required item. To ensure your application is reviewed, it must be received no later than 11:59 pm PST on Friday, December 5, 2025.

Name(Required)

First Last

Preferred Name

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

If asked to write a social media post to tell the world who you are, what would you say?(Required)

We know that cultures of belonging don't happen by accident—they're built through intentional actions and systems-level shifts. How have you used your role to advance meaningful, long-lasting changes that made your organization more accessible for those at the margins?(Required)

What are your career goals over the next 3-5 years? Be specific.(Required)

How will this leadership program help you achieve your career goals?(Required)

Identify a professional leader with skills you admire. Who are they? What did you learn from them? How have you put that knowledge into action?(Required)

Choose one of the following:(Required)

A package arrives at your door. After seeing the contents, you know it’s going to be the best day of your life. What’s inside and how do you spend your day?

You’ve invented a time machine in your living room – well done! When and where is your first destination and why?

Please respond to your chosen prompt below:(Required)

I affirm that information in my application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.(Required)

Yes

I understand that incomplete applications will not be considered.(Required)

Yes

I understand that applications that do not meet eligibility criteria will not be considered.(Required)

Yes

I acknowledge that upon acceptance, I will be invoiced for the total cost of the program at the applicable rate ($3,000 for ANCOR members; $4,000 for non-members). Furthermore, I acknowledge that upon the completion of virtual orientation, no refunds shall be awarded.(Required)

Yes

Participating in the program will result in financial hardship for my organization. Thus, my nominator is interested in discussing the potential for financial aid to support my participation in the program. (Optional)

Yes

Supervisor Name(Required)

First Last

Supervisor Email(Required)

Supervisor Phone(Required)

Resume(Required)

Accepted file types: doc, docx, pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.

Letter of Recommendation(Required)

Accepted file types: doc, docx, pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.

This letter should come from someone who knows the candidate well and can speak to your leadership, collaboration style, and potential to grow. This letter should answer the following questions: Why are you recommending this person for the Leadership Academy? What makes them stand out? How would this experience benefit them – and the broader I/DD field? Think about how their growth could ripple out to others. How does this person show up as a leader and thought partner when working with others?

Letter of Agency Support(Required)

Accepted file types: doc, docx, pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB.

Every applicant must have the support of their employer to participate. We ask agencies to see this not just as professional development, but as a shared investment in the future of their organization and the broader I/DD field. The Agency Support Letter must: 1) Be signed by the agency’s Chief Executive Officer or an authorized representative, 2) Include the agency’s full support for the candidate’s participation, and 3) Identify how the agency will support the candidate’s success.