What is the National Leadership Academy?

The APHSA National Leadership Academy is a transformative leadership experience designed for public sector, nonprofit, academic, and community leaders dedicated to creating meaningful impact. Through a hybrid model combining virtual learning and in-person engagement, participants explore next-generation leadership competencies, build authentic partnerships, and drive change centered in people and community.

The purpose of the Academy is to develop adaptive, visionary, and community-centered leaders ready to navigate complexity and lead with belonging.

Who It’s For

Leaders at all levels across human services, health, education, and community sectors seeking to expand their influence, strengthen collaboration, and accelerate systems change.

Why Join the Academy?

Build Your Capacity for Greater Impact

  • Next-Generation Leadership Skills: build skills grounded in visionary impact, workforce well-being, participatory design, generative partnerships, fostering belonging, operational impact and political literacy.
  • Expand Your Network: connect with peers nationwide who share your commitment to people-first leadership.
  • Transform Your Leadership Journey: gain tools, assessments, and practical frameworks that translate directly to real-world results.
  • Lead Boldly: turn insights into impact through a capstone Leadership Challenge.

Hands-On Resources & Tools

  • Hybrid Delivery: live virtual modules + in-person two-day sessions
  • Tool-Driven Application: assessments, interactive activities, toolkits, & action guides
  • Online Learning Community: APHSA’s Training Hub for Resources, Innovation, and Virtual Exchange Learning Management System (THRIVE LMS) 
  • Real-World Leadership Challenges: leaders apply concepts to an organizational or community challenge 
  • Built-In Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI): each module includes reflection, evaluation, and implementation tracking to align learning with impact

What Leaders Are Saying

“I have evolved as a leader. This experience gave me the tools, confidence, and community I needed to
lead with purpose and vision.”

“The sessions have been amazingly helpful and engaging.” 

“The Academy challenged me to lead differently — with purpose, compassion, and courage.” 

“I now live my leadership impact statement as a value that shows up with authenticity every time, every day.”

“I have really appreciated the participant engagement and discussions.”

“I’m always engaged and take things away.” 

What to Expect

  • Program Format: program will be presented as a hybrid model with live virtual modules and an in-person session. 
  • Session Highlights: interactive learning, leadership simulations, peer collaboration, and a leadership challenge. 
  • Featured Voices: engage with featured speakers and facilitators in person and virtually.
  • Cohort Stories: showcase success stories from previous participants. 

Key Dates for the 2026 Cohort

  • Applications Open: November 4, 2026 
  • Application Deadline: January 30, 2026 
  • Program Kickoff: Spring 2026 (more details to come)
  • Completion: Fall 2026 (more details to come)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Who should apply?

Leaders from public, nonprofit, community, academic, and private sectors committed to advancing human-centered leadership.

What is the time commitment?

Approximately 4 hours per month, including virtual sessions and one in-person convening.

Is there a cost to participate?

Yes, details available on the application page. Member discounts apply.

What makes this leadership academy unique? 

The Academy integrates research-backed leadership frameworks through a mix of engaging sessions, peer collaboration, and practical resources, strengthening participants’ leadership capacity while shaping meaningful change in their organizations and communities.

Ready to Lead Boldly?

Apply for the 2026 Cohort!

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Trinka Landry-Bourne, Organizational Effectiveness (OE) Consultant or Kim James, OE Assistant Director.