Leadership Program (LEAD)

Components

The LEAD program includes six core components that combine leadership development, mentorship, organizational involvement, and applied experience. 

1. Leadership Development Meetings. The LEAD cohort will meet every other month with representatives from the Education & Training Committee and invited speakers. Meetings will alternate between guest-led leadership seminars and cohort working sessions focused on program projects and professional development. 
2. Senior Member Sponsorship. Each LEAD fellow will be matched with a senior SCP member for quarterly mentoring meetings. Sponsors will support fellow’s professional goals and engagement within the Division.
3. Conference Presentation Submission. The LEAD cohort will collaboratively develop and submit a presentation to the SCP Division 12 conference in years when it is held or to the APA Annual Convention in alternate years. 
4. Committee Placement. Each LEAD fellow will join an SCP standing committee and actively participate in meetings and activities throughout the fellowship year. 
5. Division Project. The LEAD cohort will collaborate on a project or initiative that advances SCP’s strategic priorities. The projects will be developed in consultation with the SCP Board. 
6. Board Meeting Observation. LEAD fellows will attend two virtual SCP Board Meetings to gain firsthand exposure to organization governance, strategic decision-making, and Board operations. 

Fellowship Timeline

Program Launch: October

The fellowship year will begin with the Insight-Oriented Leadership Training Program, led by Dr. Donna LaPaglia. This seven-week interactive curriculum includes facilitated discussions, weekly reflective writing, peer feedback, and case-based learning activities.

Program Conclusion: Early-August 

The fellowship year will conclude at the APA Annual Convention. LEAD Fellows who attend will be recognized during the Awards Ceremony, participate in an exclusive networking event with Board members, and meet with organizational leaders to develop a plan for their next steps within the organization.

Estimated Time Commitment

The anticipated annual commitment is approximately 32-34 hours, in addition to participation in two virtual Board meetings and conference-related activities.

• Insight Oriented Leadership Training Program (7 hrs/total)  
• LEAD meetings (5 hrs/total)
• Monthly SCP committee meetings (10-12 hrs/ total)
• Quarterly sponsor meetings (4 hrs/ total) 
• Ad-hoc asynchronous LEAD project work (~6 hrs/total) 
• Two virtual SCP Board meetings 
• Conference attendance and presentation, when applicable

Meeting schedules and deadlines will be communicated as early as possible to support Fellows’ planning and participation.

Attendance and Participation Expectations

LEAD Fellows are expected to participate actively and consistently throughout the fellowship year. Because the program is collaborative and cohort-based, consistent participation is essential. Fellows should make every effort to attend all required activities. Occasional absences will be accommodated when communicated in advance, but repeated absences or limited participation may affect a Fellow’s ability to complete the program and receive the LEAD Fellow designation.

Attendance at the designated annual conference is strongly encouraged but is not required to complete the fellowship. SCP recognizes that travel, caregiving, clinical responsibilities, accessibility needs, and other circumstances may limit a Fellow’s ability to attend in person. Each Fellow is eligible for an $800 travel stipend to support attendance. When feasible, alternative opportunities for recognition and transition planning will be provided to Fellows who cannot attend the conference. 

Benefits for LEAD Fellows

Participants will receive:

• Formal designation as an APA Division 12 SCP LEAD Fellow
• An $800 travel stipend travel stipend to support attendance at the Division 12 conference in years when it is held or the APA Annual Convention in alternate years (subject to change). 
• Structured leadership education and applied organizational experience
• Individual mentorship from a senior SCP member
• Expanded professional and peer networks
• Increased visibility through the SCP website and engagement with SCP Board members
• A personalized plan for continued involvement and leadership with SCP following completion of the fellowship. 

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be within 10 years of earning their doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the beginning of the fellowship year.
• Demonstrate an interest in leadership, professional service, and contributing to the mission of SCP.
• Be able to participate consistently in virtual meetings, committee activities, mentorship meetings, and collaborative project work throughout the fellowship year.

SCP welcomes applicants with a wide range of professional roles, areas of expertise, career paths, and prior leadership experiences.  While you do not need to be a member to apply, SCP Membership is required to participate if accepted into the program.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be asked to submit:

• A current curriculum vitae.
• A brief statement describing their interest in the LEAD Program, a description of their prior leadership, service, or collaborative experiences, and a brief description of a challenge, opportunity, or strategic priority they believe SCP should address.