How To Apply

Application Requirements

• Applicants must hold a formal or informal leadership position in their institution. This may include individuals in positions including but not limited to: faculty (all levels); program and team leaders; institute and center directors; district and regional directors; professional society leaders; compliance officers; vice presidents/ chancellors; deans; department heads and chairs; and others. We don’t discourage anyone interested in applying but note that preference will be given to applicants who are more established in their careers.

• It is strongly encouraged that applicants have been in their current role/position for a minimum of nine months at the time of application. 

• Applicants should identify with groups that are traditionally underrepresented in STEM.  

• Applicants initiate the process of garnering approval and support from their institution and identifying a sponsor who will work with them during the program. The applicant is responsible for submitting the name in the application and the IAspire program team will seek formal approval from them. See guidelines below under Information for Campus Sponsor section. 

• Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) 

• Completed application packets must be submitted by the posted application deadline. 

Strong Candidates will provide evidence of: 

• Leadership experience in a STEM discipline within higher education

• Detailed professional goals for the next ten years

• A strong desire to learn and utilize their training and experiences in the program to achieve their goals

Tentative Schedule of Program

The program will be held via two in-person sessions and one virtual session. The in-person sessions & locations will be determined once the cohort has been selected. 

Information for Campus Sponsor

Both the qualities of the applicant and the commitment to leadership in their institution are considered during the selection process. 

We will reach out to sponsors identified in the application to obtain formal approval for applicants participation in the program. Below are a few things we suggest the sponsor consider. 

We encourage the applicant’s institution to commit to:

• Provide the necessary time for the fellow to fully participate in the program and to complete their assignments.

• Financial (i.e., fees and expenses) and other support (i.e., time and mentoring) during the program.

• Salary continuation during the IAspire fellowship period.

• Access to higher administration for assistance with assignments, especially working on the institutional action project.

• A professional development plan for the fellow which includes mentorship in developing a broader institutional view of leadership roles and strategies.

Review and Selection Process

Approximately thirty (30) applicants will be selected. The individuals will receive a letter of acceptance via email if they have been selected to be an IAspire Fellow. 

Selection of each cohort is a process of careful review for academic leadership potential (judged collectively by individual characteristics, application narratives expressing evidence of leadership experience, desire, and institutional support). Targeted consideration will be given to each candidate's clarity of career goals, aspiration to lead within STEM disciplines within higher education, self-awareness about their own leadership competencies, and the breadth and depth of their leadership experience.

A single selection committee reviews all application materials and compiles a listing of candidates. The selection committee members identify approximately 30 fellows from STEM disciplines during a single meeting scheduled after applications close.