Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator
Not-for-Credit
Credit(s)
Credit(s)
Professional Development
Academic Level
Academic Level
Sliding Scale
Cost
Cost
The Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator (ENLA) cultivates a robust talent and leadership pipeline for the nonprofit sector in the greater Capital Region and beyond.
This program draws on a cohort model of leadership development and action research principles to support nonprofit leaders’ growth in their organization and field.
“Action research” combines cycles of action and reflection in a peer-to-peer setting — supporting each learner as they establish their leadership practice, while allowing the group to develop collective knowledge of nonprofit leadership grounded in learners’ experience.
The ENLA microcredential was created and is taught by faculty at UAlbany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, which is ranked among the top 30 public affairs programs in the nation and is a leader in nonprofit management and policy education.
Additional Information:
Program Dates
The program begins on Friday, January 23, 2026, and the cohort will meet weekly through Friday, May 1, 2026. There will be no session on March 20. All sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on UAlbany’s Downtown Campus (135 Western Avenue, Albany).
Program Overview
Between sessions, participants will complete activities within their own organization that they design through a facilitated process to develop their leadership.
Specifically, the program includes three integrated elements:
- Cycles of action and reflection on leadership challenges: Experts will help participants identify a specific challenge they face in developing their own leadership, define a tailored course of action appropriate for the challenge, and then reflect individually and collectively with the group on the results. Reflection will allow participants to experiment with and assess their efforts as they move into new leadership roles and activities in a supportive environment.
- Professional soft skills development and technical training: Learners will participate in at least five training sessions focused on specific professional soft skills development (such as networking) and technical training (such as fundraising). To the extent possible, sessions will be tailored to the specific needs of the cohort, drawing on the expertise and experience of Rockefeller College faculty, other UAlbany faculty and subject-matter experts in the nonprofit field.
- Career coaching: Participants will engage in coaching opportunities to prepare for present and future leadership roles.
Participants who successfully complete all program requirements will be issued a Credly badge and certificate of completion.
Who should apply?
ENLA is a selective and rigorous leadership accelerator for mid-career nonprofit professionals seeking to take on leadership positions, such as program director or executive director, within nonprofit organizations.
Application Process & Deadline
To apply, please submit the Emerging Nonprofit Leadership Accelerator Application by 5 p.m. December 5, 2025. Limited scholarships are available. Please indicate in your application if you would like to be considered for a scholarship.
All applications will be reviewed by the selection committee, and participants will be notified if they have been accepted or waitlisted for the next program.
Registration Fees
- UAlbany student and alumni: $1,800
- New York State nonprofit employee: $1,900
- Out-of-state nonprofit employee: $2,500
