Welcome to the Leadership Accelerator! This 8-week program is designed to provide public health professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to become effective leaders in their field. The program is conducted in a cohort-style format, allowing participants to learn from each other and build a strong network of peers.
Accelerator Overview
Duration
8 weeks
Sessions
Four 2-hour sessions
Cohort 1 Sessions
Each of the live sessions for this cohort will be held from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. ET on the following dates:
- April 11
- April 25
- May 9
- May 30
Cohort 2
Registration for Cohort 2 is now open! The live sessions for this cohort will be:
- September 12
- September 26
- October 3
- October 17
Target Audience
Public health managers and supervisors.
Cohort-Style Workshops
Participants will be part of a small cohort, allowing for personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.
Program Opportunities
The accelerator will be conducted three times in 2024: spring, summer, and fall. Applications for each cohort will be open approximately two months before the start date.
Application, Engagement, and Program Details
Application and Selection Process
Interested individuals can apply online. The application will include a brief questionnaire to better match you with your peers. Applications will be reviewed by our selection committee and selected participants will be notified via email.
Online Learning
ELM Online is the featured online (on-demand) content of the program. Participants are encouraged to register for the online course (ELM Part 1 and ELM Part 2) and review the suggested lessons before each session.
Program Sessions
The program consists of four sessions, each focusing on a different aspect of leadership development (Leading Others, Leading Others with Empathy, Leading the Organization). Sessions will be conducted virtually and will include a mix of lectures, group discussions, and interactive activities.
Key Competencies and Outcomes
Participants will learn leadership behaviors and presence, how to lead peers with emotional intelligence, assess performance and provide coaching, lead diverse teams, communication problem-solving and decision-making strategies, organizational performance and change management strategies.
Peer Learning
Participants will learn from each other and share their experiences and insights. Small group discussions and breakout sessions will allow for meaningful interactions and collaboration.
Coaching
Each participant will have direct access to the skilled and experienced public health leaders at ASTHO. This individualized guidance and support will be available to you throughout the program.
Application Information
Deadlines
- Applications for the Spring cohort are due by April 2, 2024.
- Applications for the Summer cohort are due by June 24, 2024.
- Applications for the Fall cohort are due by Aug. 21, 2024.
Application Requirements
To apply, you will need to log in to, or create, an ASTHO account and answer the short questionnaire.
Selection Criteria
Participants will be selected based on their experience, position level, and capacity to fully engage with the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Leadership Accelerator: Fast-Track Your Skills with ELM and who is the target audience?
The Leadership Accelerator: Fast-Track Your Skills with ELM is an 8-week program designed to prepare existing supervisors and managers within governmental public health agencies to become more effective in their roles. It focuses on building core management and leadership competencies to unleash leadership potential, enhance decision-making skills, improve productivity, and allow leaders to thrive in an ever-changing public health landscape. This cohort-style program is ideal for public health professionals seeking to develop their leadership skills and build a strong network of peers.
What pre-work is required?
Prior to each live session, participants are encouraged to review the sections of ASTHO’s Essentials of Leadership and Management (ELM) Online Course that correspond to the content being covered in that session. This pre-work will help participants familiarize themselves with the content and concepts, enabling them to actively engage in discussions and activities during the live virtual sessions. Additionally, participants may be asked to complete any associated readings, assessments, or reflection exercises as part of their preparation for the session.
How do I apply/enroll to attend a session?
Participants can apply for the accelerator by clicking the "Start Your Application" button in the Application Information section of this page. You will need to either log in to an existing ASTHO account or create a new one. Please refer to this PDF guide for creating an ASTHO account if you have any questions about this process.
Selected participants will receive instructions for attending the live sessions and details for accessing the ELM online course content.
How long is the program and how much time is required to participate?
The program is an 8-week program designed for up to 40 participants. On average, it will take approximately 10-14 hours over the program to engage with the self-study asynchronous modules (optional), readings and assignments, live webinars, and session reflections. The program includes:
- live virtual sessions (90-120 mins)
- self-assessments/activities
- articles
- self-study modules and cohort discussions
- actively engagement with fellow participants in an online community
When will I receive session details and how are they distributed?
Program participants will receive session details by email before the start of the program. Please access and promptly respond as requested once instructions are received.
Is there a point of contact to reach out to for questions or technical assistance (i.e. access to content)?
Please reach out to DLD@astho.org for assistance with specific questions about the ELM program or to receive technical assistance.
Are there additional resources available to help support my professional development?
ASTHO offers several resources, educational products, and programs to support public health professionals. We encourage you to explore the ASTHO website or the ASTHO eLearning Center to learn more.
Past Participants Speak
This was such a valuable training series. As a new supervisor this was the first supervisory skills training provided to me. This training filled a big gap. Thank you!
– 2023 Leadership Accelerator Participant
I thought this training was really amazing…I wish I would've taken this training when I first became a supervisor.
– ELM Online Course Completer
Everything was wonderful. The Zoom format was efficient. The coaching circles also allowed me to build relationships and it has made it easier to connect.
– 2022 Leadership Accelerator Participant
It has made me a better leader and manager and encouraged me to think outside of the box and apply different aspects to my leadership practice.
– 2023 Leadership Accelerator Participant