2026-2027 Leadership Development Program (LDP)

A year-long series of programming designed to advance high impact college admission counseling professionals.

Thank you for your interest in the nationally recognized Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling (MACAC) Leadership Development Program (LDP).  We encourage applications from professionals who assist students in the transition to post-secondary education and who have a desire to deepen their impact in the profession. Program participation is limited to 12 individuals.

Leadership Development Program Objectives and Benefits:

1. Participants gain experiences encouraging greater leadership contributions to their home institution (high school, college or university), supported by mentor guidance and MACAC committee involvement.
2. Through shared texts, cohort learning, and MACAC event participation, participants practice leadership rooted in MACAC’s collaborative culture.
3. Reflection, mentor feedback, and peer dialogue help participants clarify their leadership identity within the profession.
4. Participants build knowledge of MACAC and NACAC through direct committee involvement, exposure to organizational operations and real-world leadership opportunities.
5. Graduates strengthen facilitation and group leadership skills while forming lasting connections via the in-person cohort experiences and augmented virtual opportunities.

Program Expectations:
Participants are expected to attend all program sessions as outlined below and to complete required cohort reflections and leadership development activities.

• Mid-August: One day Kickoff Retreat (in person)
• October 5th: National College Fair (During AM/PM Session Break)
• October 8th: Minnesota State Affiliate Gathering at NACAC National Conference in Minneapolis
• February/March (Optional):  Participation in Day on the Hill with MACAC membership
• February/April (Optional): Participate in MACAC Quarterly Board Meeting
• May: Final session during Affiliate Spring Conference, wrap up and recognition
• Ongoing: Connect with Faculty mentor and a MACAC Committee (for more information about Committees, go to https://mn-acac.org/committees).

Developing Leaders will be recognized at a cohort completion celebration and at the Affiliate Spring Conference.

Program Costs:
All direct program costs including travel and shared text, excluding incidentals, will be covered by MACAC.

Application requirements:
To apply, interested candidates should submit an application along with (1) a professional resume and (2) a short, 150-word leadership reflection.  Supervisor and institutional/organizational support is acknowledged, too.  Applications are found at the form below.  The application deadline is Friday, June 12th, 2026. Participants will be selected by MACAC LDP program faculty co-chairs.  Decisions will be e-mailed by Tuesday, June 30th, 2026.

2026-2027 Leadership Development Program Application

Leadership Development Program Contact Information:

📧 ldp@mn-acac.org