Texas Psychological Association Leadership, Advocacy, and Engagement Development (TPA LEAD) ProgramWhat is the LEAD Program?TPA LEAD is a highly selective, first-of-its-kind leadership initiative designed to identify, develop, and connect leaders who will help shape the future of psychology in Texas. Through immersive training, mentorship, hands-on advocacy experiences, and direct engagement with TPA leadership, participants will gain the skills, relationships, and insider perspective needed to make a meaningful impact within the profession and their communities. Program OverviewThe 11-month program begins with a two-day Leadership Summit in Austin, Texas, on January 14-15, 2027, convening a select group of psychologists for an immersive experience focused on leadership, professional influence, and advocacy. Summit experiences include: ● Leadership assessment and personalized growth planning ● Training on innovative communication and engagement strategies for psychologists ● Behind-the-scenes exposure to organized advocacy efforts ● A guided visit to the Texas State Capitol featuring an exclusive meet-and-greet with a mental health policy advisor ● Networking with current and emerging leaders in Texas psychology ● Fast-track to professional service opportunities within TPA Following the summit, participants will continue their development through monthly virtual programming from February through October 2027, to include: six virtual program meetings, virtual attendance at a TPA Board meeting, participation in TPA committee initiatives, and the development and completion of a leadership impact project (i.e. capstone) that advances a strategic priority of TPA. Impact projects will be peer-reviewed at the end of the year and one will be selected for the TPA LEADership Impact Award. The program culminates at the 2027 TPA Annual Conference (virtual), where participants will present their impact projects in a featured symposium, be recognized during a graduation and awards ceremony, and begin a network of TPA LEAD alumni poised to influence the future of the profession and the association. Program InvestmentThe program fee is $295 and will cover all educational programming, leadership assessments, mentorship activities, and cohort experiences associated with TPA LEAD. Participants are responsible for ensuring their TPA Membership dues are up to date by the time of the summit. Travel, lodging, meals, and incidental expenses associated with the in-person summit are not included in registration fees. If your institution provides professional development funds, we can provide an itemized invoice for reimbursement. Who Should Apply?We are seeking psychologists who are passionate about advancing the profession and committed to serving Texans through leadership, advocacy, and professional engagement, regardless of their level of training in any of those areas. We especially encourage applications from early-career psychologists and individuals whose perspectives have historically been underrepresented within psychology leadership. Prior leadership experience is not required. Successful applicants will demonstrate a genuine interest in becoming more actively engaged in TPA or reengaging with TPA in innovative ways, advancing the profession of psychology as a whole, and committed to serving as future leaders within Texas psychology. The TPA LEAD cohort will be intentionally small to foster meaningful engagement and connection. We anticipate strong interest in this inaugural opportunity and encourage early applications. Cohort TimelineSeptember 21, 2026 – Applications open November 13-15, 2026 - 2026 TPA Annual Conference - Exciting program details being announced here! November 20, 2026 – Applications due by 11:59pm November 30, 2026 – First round acceptance notifications sent December 8, 2026 – Registration/dues payment deadline Second round acceptance notifications sent (if needed) December 14, 2026 – Second round registration/dues payment deadline December 21, 2026– TPA Lead 2027 Cohort members announced January 14 & 15, 2027 – In-person LEAD summit in Austin, TX Program BenefitsTPA LEAD Participants will:
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