LEAD Institute Fellow Award

APPLICATION FOR LEAD 2025 is CLOSED.

THE 2027 APPLICATION PERIOD WILL OPEN FALL OF 2026.

SCCAP acknowledges that the success of the society and the field of psychology is dependent upon the diversity of individuals stepping up to fill leadership roles.  In order to promote leadership development and potential future leaders within SCCAP, its Diversity Committee created the bi-annual Leadership Education to Advance Diversity (LEAD) Institute.

The goal of the SCCAP Leadership Education to Advance Diversity (LEAD) Institute is to provide professional development, networking, and leadership skills for graduate students and early career professionals (ECP’s). Graduate students and ECP’s who are members of Division 53 (SCCAP) are eligible to apply. The full-day leadership institute offers LEAD participants (also known as LEAD fellows) to attend sessions with invited guest speakers that address topics such as: leadership in the community and profession, cultural sensitivity in practice, tips on publishing, and learning skills in media psychology.

LEAD is intended to provide graduate students and ECP’s from diverse groups (e.g., ethnic and racial, sexual and gender diversity, individuals with a disability) the opportunity to gain leadership and professional skills, and increase their professional network. LEAD fellows also have the opportunity to be on a special email distribution list that announces educational, leadership, and award opportunities.  Participation in LEAD also allows for eligible participants to earn Continuing Education Credits.  LEAD will also produce periodic virtual learning opportunities at no cost to participants.

LEAD Fellows will receive free housing on the UIC campus, a travel stipend, free CEU, and free registration for the SCCAP Conference.

If the LEAD Institute is held virtually due to public health concerns and travel is not required, upon completion of the program LEAD Fellows will be given stipend to put toward participation in other SCCAP sponsored conferences or educational opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for LEAD Fellows:

• This institute is open to currently enrolled graduate students from APA, PCSAS, or CPA-accredited programs, or from schools that have officially entered into the accreditation process, OR ECP’s (members within 10-years of earning their doctoral degree).
• Applicants must be a member of SCCAP. SCCAP is free to join for students and post-docs (https://sccap53.org/join/).
• Fellows that are selected will also be required to demonstrate their involvement in leadership activities within 1-year after this program (e.g., serving as a member of a SCCAP committee).
• Accepted Applicants must be domiciled in the United States of America to receive the monetary award. Non-US-domiciled members may still participate in the educational portion of the Institute.

THE APPLICATION PORTAL FOR 2025 IS CLOSED.

The 2027 LEAD APPLICATION PERIOD WILL OPEN IN FALL 2026.  

If you have questions about eligibility criteria or other parts of the application process, please contact sccap@sccap53.org.

*Applications will be evaluated based on the applicant’s CV and their description of the benefits of being selected as a LEAD fellow.

Erlanger Turner, PhD

Marilyn Sampilo, PhD, MPH

LEAD Institute, Co-Chairs

SCCAP encourages and welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds with respect to age, disability, gender, geography, nationality, race, religion, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

Congratulations to the 2025 LEAD Institute Fellows