CKLDP - Call for Applications Opens

Overview: Beginning in 2013, the AIA|DC chapter undertook an initiative to develop a program which would train and nurture the next generation of leaders. With the success of the previous program years, the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program looks to secure a promising new faction of scholars in 2019. The year-long program consists of nine individual half-day sessions attended by a competitively selected group of 16 emerging professionals (an emerging professional is defined as someone who has graduated from college with an architecture degree and is within 10 years of their first licensure). Prospective participants must go through an application process for selection where proven career success, community involvement and the individual’s firm/agency support will be considered.

Curriculum: The curriculum focuses on core professional skills such as entrepreneurship and firm management; teamwork and collaboration, negotiating skills, client development, community leadership, understanding trends within the industry, and developing your future within the practice. The selected scholars will be responsible for planning and participating in each of the individual sessions. The program will be kicked off by a “Boot Camp” session to introduce the participants and to develop the curriculum for the year.

Sessions will be held monthly 12:00pm – 5:00pm, September through May. A full list of courses and specific dates are listed at:  Check out the full list of courses and dates.

Application Process: Individuals may be nominated by their firm or can nominate themselves and will be selected on the basis of a written application, recommendations, and resume. The sixteen (16) successful applicants will represent a diverse group of emerging professionals that demonstrate a strong potential as a future leader. The application process is not intended to be exhaustive, but is competitive and should not be taken lightly. Throughout the application process, candidates are encouraged to emphasise their previous leadership experience, explain what expertise they intend to provide to the program and clarify how they intend to utilize the skills learned through the program. A jury will convene in July, 2019 to select 2019-20 program scholars.

The official Call for Application opens May 24, 2019.

Q+A Session (optional): An application Q+A Session will be held on June 4th, 2019 at 6:00pm at Kirksey at 6909 Portwest Dr. Houston, TX. Committee representatives will provide a short overview of the program and allow candidates to ask questions about what to include and what not to include within their application. Interested candidates are encouraged to attend this event. Attendance at this event is NOT mandatory for applications and will hold no merit on acceptance into the program.

Application Deadline: All forms must be submitted by 11:59pm on June 24, 2019 to be eligible.

Notification of Acceptance: Candidates will be notified of their selection into the program no later than August 2, 2019.

More information and required application materials can be found here.