Leadership Development & Scholarship Program


Scholarship Opportunities

Associations West offers 8 scholarship opportunities to fit the various needs of association professionals. There are two scholarships offered for each of the following:

Achieving Your CAE
The Certified Association Executive credential represents the standard of knowledge in the association profession. The CAE is considered a distinguished accomplishment in association management. 

ELEVATE Annual Conference, April 12-15, Newport Beach
Associations West's four-day-long premier learning event held each spring. includes two keynote speakers and over 23 learning sessions as well as extensive peer networking. 
Ascend: Association Leadership Lab -
Developing the Next Tier of Leaders, February 19-20, Palm Springs
Held alongside the Insights Executive Summit, this new 2-day program is tailored for mid-level association professionals ready to step into higher levels of leadership. 

Learning Fund 
This award is available to waive or offset registration fees, typically local programs. Includes regional events and webinars.

More Details       Apply by Oct 15

Purpose and Goals

Associations West is committed to investing in its members' leadership skills by providing accessible professional development opportunities and fostering a strong sense of community. The Leadership Development and Scholarship Program combines a set of scholarship opportunities for our members to build their leadership skills and professional network. We seek to minimize barriers that hinder participation while empowering individuals to advance their careers.

Diversity Statement for Scholarships & Awards

Associations West aims to increase opportunities and remove barriers to accessing professional development and engaging with the association community. Even if you do not believe you meet every qualification, we welcome applications from individuals passionate about advancing their education and contributing to their communities. Associations West wants to ensure a diverse representation of all social and professional identities better to reflect the diverse population of the Association Community.

Diversity at Associations West encompasses a broad spectrum of individual differences and experiences. We value and respect each person's unique, social, and professional qualities in the association community. 

This includes but is not limited to, professional experience, social identity, or other barriers to access not listed below. We invite you to tell us your story and how you will benefit from the opportunities offered by the Associations West scholarship program.

Professional Experience

  • Leadership Level
  • Geographic Scope (Local, State, National, etc.)
  • Economic Sector (Industry Type: Chamber, Medical, Education, etc.)
  • Staff Size
  • Annual Budget

Social Identity

  • Racial and ethnic diversity
  • Gender identity, Expression, & Sexual Orientation
  • Socioeconomic status
  • Disability
  • Age
  • Religion
  • Geographic location (urban, suburban, rural)

Scholarship applications will be reviewed by the Leadership Development Committee and recipients announced in early December. For any questions please contact Jessica Barker, Sr. Manager of Operations & Governance