Step 1: Research the Program  

Information Session Video

Understand the Program 

Learn as much as you can about our focus, format, and program expectations to consider if the program is right for you. You can read our About the Leadership Academy and Cohort Profile pages, read blogposts by our alumni (Post 1 and Post 2), and view the informational session video above for more information .  

Fellows learn through adult learning principles, or andragogy, in a cohort-based learning environment.

What Participants Will Learn 

• Enhancing Self Awareness and Other Awareness 
• Engaging and Systems and Strategic Thinking 
• Achieving Workable Unity
• Developing New Leaders
• Delivering on Strategic Intent
• Communicating Strategic Intent
• Fostering the Process of Renewal
• Building Competence for Anti-Racism and Pro-Equity Work

Fellow Selection Criteria

This year the JustLead staff will be offering a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) specific Leadership Academy experience. Over the last several years we have become increasingly aware of how important it is to cultivate and prioritize BIPOC specific spaces that allow for more time and care to explore BIPOC specific leadership challenges and dedicate meaningful time to healing, renewing, creativity, and joy. We are excited to be able to offer space for BIPOC legal and community advocates committed to transformative change to build strong adaptive leadership skills and lasting relationships. We are also looking forward to applying the lessons learned during Cohort IX of the Leadership Academy.

The following are the selection criteria for Cohort X:

• Applicant identifies as BIPOC;
• Applicant works in Washington State or their work impacts Washington State residents;
• Commitment to using what you learn to build powerful community-based, legal, advocacy, and multi-disciplinary networks that are guided by individuals and communities who are most impacted by poverty, and other forms of systemic oppression;  
• Interest in equity, leadership, and social justice issues; 
• Commitment to applying their gained knowledge and experience from the Leadership Academy both in their professional and personal lives;
• Understanding of the key issues and challenges that impact the communities they serve in their current role; 
• Showcase understanding of their lived experience and how it can contribute to cohort and peer learning;
• Commitment to participating in the entire Academy, including attending all four retreats and participating in in between-retreat learning. You should not apply if you are seeking to make significant changes to your life or career that are likely to interfere with full participation. 

Retreat Details

Leadership Academy Retreats will take place in-person on March 5-7 and November 5-7, 2026 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday), and virtually via Zoom in April 30th – May 1st,2026 and September 10 -11, 2026 (Thursday and Friday). Retreats will typically run from 9:00am – 5:00pm each day. Fellows will also be asked to join 2-Hour Peer Support Program Sessions sessions in-between retreats to practice the skills they are developing.
Applicants must commit to attending all retreats and to completing work individually and in small groups between retreat sessions.

Key Dates*

• Orientation Session for Cohort X Fellows: January 30, 2026, 10AM – 12PM PST (Virtual)
• Retreat 1:  March 5-7, 2026 (In-Person)
• Peer Support Program Workshop #1: March – April 2026 (Virtual 2 Hour Session)
• Retreat 2: April 30th – May 1st, 2026 (Virtual)
• Peer Support Program Workshop #2: June – September 2026 (Virtual 2 Hour Session)
• Retreat 3: September 10 -11, 2026 (Virtual)
• Peer Support Program Workshop #3: September – October 2026 (Virtual 2 Hour Session)
• Retreat 4: November 5-7, 2026 (In-Person)

*Dates may vary.

Costs

The Leadership Academy is partly subsidized by a team of funding partners. However, contributions from organizations and individuals are essential to underwrite costs and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Academy. Fellows are strongly encouraged to seek contributions from their organizations’ professional development budgets. 

Contributions Per Fellow Based on Organizational Budget

Contributions cover faculty, staff, facilities, program resources, access to distance learning technologies, and breakfast & lunch during in-person retreats. They do not cover travel or lodging expenses to and from the in-person sessions. Limited scholarship funds may be available, see the application for more details. 

We ask organizations with larger budgets to consider the solidarity budget amount to help demonstrate a financial commitment to supporting their colleagues that will be participating in the Leadership Academy as well as ensuring that other leaders in community-based organizations and groups are also able to participate. This solidarity rate helps to ensure that we can address the needs of this cohort.  

Scholarships 

The Leadership Academy offers a limited number of scholarships to ensure equitable access for participants whose organizations are unable to contribute financially, and non-sponsored participants who are unable to make a contribution. Scholarships are intended only for applicants without organizational support or partial organizational support, and are not available to those whose organizations are able to fully cover tuition or related costs.

To apply, please complete the scholarship application. Please note that a program application must be submitted before filling out the scholarship application.

If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@justleadwa.org.  

Questions & Assistance 

If you need assistance to complete your application or have any questions or problems regarding your application, please contact  info@justleadwa.org.