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Emerging Leader Program for Experienced Leaders

The Emerging Leader Program (ELP) for Experienced Leaders is a six-month program for mid-career laboratory professionals to refine their impact with advanced leadership skills and cultivate vibrant social and professional networks. Together, we tackle the ever-evolving challenges and opportunities within public health laboratories.

Questions?

Contact the Leadership Development team: [email protected]

ABOUT ELP FOR EXPERIENCED LEADERS

Refine Your Leadership Skills to Take Your Next Professional Step

Program Expectations

Participants will: 

  • Attend monthly virtual skills-based training sessions
  • Complete pre-session and post-session assignments

Program Timeline

The timeline below outlines the typical structure of the program. Specific dates will vary by cohort. Exact session dates, deadlines and requirements will be provided in the application materials for the cohort to which you are applying. Detailed application deadlines and requirements will be posted on this webpage as soon as the application period opens.

  • June: Selection Launch
  • July: Selection Closes
  • August – September: Review Submissions and Selection Process
  • October: Announcements Regarding Selection of Incoming Cohort
  • November: First Virtual Session
  • December: Launch of Coaching Experience, Virtual Sessions, Activities and Assignments
  • January - March: Virtual Session, Activities and Assignments
  • April: Graduation
  • May: APHL Annual Conference

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for ELP, you must meet the general eligibility criteria, in addition to the program-specific criteria:

  • Must be a US citizen, US national or lawful permanent resident
  • Must be currently employed full-time by an APHL Member Laboratory located in the US or its territories, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Public Health Agency of Canada
  • May possess a degree in microbiology, biochemistry, virology, clinical laboratory science, or a comparable technical field

  • Coming Soon!

Selection Process

Selections are currently closed. Please check back in late spring 2026 for more information.

CDC, EPA, FDA and the Public Health Agency of Canada maintain their own ELP application and selection process. If you belong to one of these entities and are interested in participating in the Emerging Leader Program, please contact your supervisor directly instead of applying through APHL.


Although ELP does not currently accept international applicants, APHL collaborates with countries worldwide to build robust and resilient national laboratory systems. 

Learn more about our global health work and how to get involved.