Leadership Development & Scholarship Program


Scholarship Opportunities

Associations West offers scholarship opportunities to fit the various needs of association professionals. There are 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, May 2-5, 2027, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, CA
Associations West's four-day-long premier learning event held each spring. Includes two keynote speakers and 25 learning sessions as well as extensive peer networking. 
Ascend: Association Leadership Lab -
February 2027
This 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 for other Associations West programs, including professional area regional and virtual events.

More Details       Apply Now - Fall/Winter

Purpose and Goals

Associations West is committed to investing in the development of leadership skills throughout the association industry by providing accessible professional development opportunities, fostering a strong sense of community, and building peer networks. We aim to minimize barriers that hinder participation while empowering individuals to advance their careers. 

Criteria for Selection

Criteria for selected awardees include:

  • Applicant’s learning goals and aspirations
  • Applicant’s contributions to Associations West, the industry, and/or other nonprofits
  • The applicant’s unique experiences, background, and perspectives

The Associations West scholarship program is designed to provide a holistic opportunity for applicants to build their skills and advance their careers. Each applicant should describe their learning and development goals and explain how the education program chosen will support those goals.

Please note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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 scholarship recipients to reflect the diversity of the association community across a broad range of social and professional identities. 

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

This includes but is not limited to, professional experience, social identity, or other barriers that may affect access to Associations West programs. We invite you to tell us your story and how you will benefit from the opportunities offered by the Associations West scholarship program. Diversity factors taken into consideration include:

Professional Experience

  • Leadership level
  • Geographic scope (local, state, national, etc.)
  • Economic Sector (e.g., chamber, medical, education, etc.)
  • Staff size
  • Annual budget

Social Identity

  • Racial and ethnic diversity
  • Gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation
  • Socioeconomic status
  • Disability
  • Age
  • Religion
  • Geographic location (urban, suburban, rural)

The Leadership Development Committee (LDC) administers the scholarship program and annually determines scholarship offerings, award amounts, eligibility requirements, and selection criteria based on available funding and organizational priorities. For any questions please contact Jessica Barker, Director, Operations & Governance