APPLICATION:

The application is now closed for 2025-26.

Community Engagement Leadership Pipeline (CELP) Purpose

To provide an intentional and comprehensive leadership development experience for current and aspiring leaders, with a dedicated focus on access and professional advancement. This is a two-year program which seeks to prepare participants to lead within their institutions, state associations, and the SASFAA region. Participants will have structured mentoring relationships with established leaders within SASFAA and opportunities for participants to connect and collaborate with peers and mentors across the region.

Program Goals

1. Access and Affordability
   Provide access to leadership development for aid administrators to ensure comprehensive representation among under resourced and minority serving institutions within the Association.
2. Leadership Development
   Equip participants—both current leaders and aspiring professionals—with the practical skills, strategies, and insights needed to lead effectively within financial aid offices, state associations, and SASFAA.
3. Career Advancement
   Support professional growth through mentoring, networking, and targeted development opportunities that strengthen participants’ readiness for advanced leadership roles.
4. Pipeline Expansion
   Increase access to an extensive pool of talented leaders who reflect the breadth of the membership and can carry forward the Association’s mission as future executive board members.
5. Sustainable Collaboration
   Promote a leadership model that is collaborative, adaptable, and transferable—empowering institutions, state associations, and SASFAA to cultivate future leaders equipped to meet evolving challenges.

Program Components & Length

Year 1:

• Participants will attend the SASFAA Leadership Symposium which may consist of a series of workshops, panels, and case studies designed to challenge and develop leadership competencies.
• Participants will be assigned mentors from their institutional sector to work with for the remainder of the year.
• Participants will be immersed in a series of readings and regular meetings with mentors.
• Participants may attend two virtual SASFAA Executive Board meetings or state association meetings during the year to gain exposure to the association(s).
• Opportunity to participate in a “Swoonpies and Money” podcast focused on leadership. 
• Benefits: SASFAA sponsors registration for the Leadership Symposium, room, board and travel, not to exceed $550 per individual for the travel component. Meals (not covered at the symposium) will be reimbursed.

• Participants will be engaged in a comprehensive leadership development program designed to prepare them for leadership opportunities within SASFAA and/or their places of employment.
• Participants may continue to work with their assigned mentor or receive a new mentor who has experience on the SASFAA Executive Board.
• Mentors will meet with chair/committee twice during the year in feedback/listening sessions.
• Participants will be expected to volunteer for a SASFAA activity during the year (task force, committee or SASFAA training event).
• Participants will develop and present a project or plan that supports leadership development or programmatic improvement within their institution, state association, or SASFAA. Project(s) will be presented to SASFAA members at the annual training conference as a conference session.
• Benefits: SASFAA sponsors registration for the Annual Conference, room, board and travel, not to exceed $550 per individual for the travel component. Meals (not covered at the conference) will be reimbursed.