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Emerging Leaders Program

2027 Emerging Leaders Program!

ELP is an intensive, five-month remote learning program that combines guided instruction with mentorship teams for a unique experience that builds skills around communication, team development, continual improvement, and more. Thank you for your interest.

Application submissions are scheduled to open by July 1, 2026.

Data Shows...

70% experienced increased responsibility within their organizations, with 80% attributing that advancement directly to their participation in ELP.

70%

2027 Emerging Leaders Program

Take your career to the next level and demonstrate your value to employers as an NSPE Emerging Leader!

The NSPE Emerging Leaders Program develops the next generation of engineers to fulfill NSPE’s mission to “create a world where the public can be confident that engineering decisions affecting their lives are made by qualified and ethically accountable professionals.” Experienced engineers know that engineering decisions are made throughout a project timeline and often require more than just technical expertise. Skills in communicating, team development, and continually providing feedback and advice deliver the best results.

This national program features an intensive five-month program with guided instruction and mentorship to engineers seeking to expand their skills through:

  • Examining personal strengths and vulnerabilities
  • Defining leadership and its application in their environment
  • Building personal ownership and motivation
  • Developing cohesive, high-functioning teams
  • Communicating successfully with colleagues and clients
  • Giving and receiving feedback
  • Delivering effective presentations

Working through real work-life scenarios and discussions with the group and mentor-led teams will prepare participants to excel and stand out in the workplace and improve their leadership qualities. Participants will meet virtually January through June 2027 and work through related assignments using an online learning platform.

Program Oversight: NSPE New Professionals Committee
Program Facilitators: Mark Cook, Ph.D., CrossGroup
Program Facilitators: Amelia Yant, MED, CPC, CrossGroup

Who Attends

Emerging leaders are early-career professionals with 5–8 years of experience in the engineering field who are prepared to think strategically about their career and beginning to assume leadership roles in the industry. Selected participants come from a variety of firms with a range of engineering expertise. Before applying, prospective candidates are encouraged to seek the support of their employers in allowing appropriate time to commit to the program.

Registration Fees

  • NSPE Member – $950.00
  • Non-member – $1,249.00 (includes a one-year membership*)

*NSPE Membership is a requirement for acceptance into the program.

2027 NSPE Emerging Leaders Program Syllabus

When applying to the 2027 Emerging Leaders Program, candidates affirm their availability to attend all events listed on the syllabus (40-hour commitment). The program is a mixture of facilitator-led sessions and collaborative follow-up sessions with assigned mentors culminating in participants creating a 100-day plan to implement their new knowledge and a final project presented to the NSPE Board of Directors. Upon completion, successful candidates join their colleagues in the ELP Alumni community. Participants earn 12 PDH* for full attendance.

2027 ELP Syllabus & Schedule**

January 6, 2027, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm ET
Introduction and Orientation for ELP mentors

January 20, 2027, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm ET
Introduction, Preparation, and Orientation for ELP participants

February 3, 2027, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET
Personal Leadership, Part 1

February 17, 2027, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET
Personal Leadership, Part 2 with Mentors

March 3, 2027, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET
Developing High Performing Teams, Part 1

March 17, 2027, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET
Developing High Performing Teams, Part 2 with Mentors

April 7, 2027, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET
Meaningful Dialogue with Difficult Conversations, Part 1

April 21, 2027, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET
Meaningful Dialogue with Difficult Conversations, Part 2 with Mentors

May 5, 2027, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET
Giving and Receiving Feedback, Part 1

May 19, 2027, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET
Giving and Receiving Feedback, Part 2 with Mentors

June 2, 2027, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm ET
Project Presentations to NSPE Board of Directors

June 16, 2027, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm ET
100-day Plan Presentations

August 4 - 6 – NSPECon27, California
ELP Alumni Events at NSPE's annual conference

*Adjustments to the schedule, if necessary, will be made in consultation with participants and mentors.

* Individuals are responsible for ensuring compliance with state PDH/CPD/CE requirements. Consult your state licensing board for more information. 

Eligibility and Time Commitment

NSPE membership is a requirement prior to acceptance into the program.

Emerging leaders are early-career professionals with 5–8 years of experience in the engineering field who are prepared to think strategically about their career and beginning to assume leadership roles in the industry. Selected participants come from a variety of firms with a range of engineering expertise.  Before applying, prospective candidates are encouraged to seek the support of their employers in allowing appropriate time to commit to the program.

Time Commitment. When applying to the 2027 Emerging Leaders Program, candidates will affirm their availability to attend all events listed on the syllabus (40-hour commitment). The program is a mixture of facilitator-led sessions and collaborative follow-up sessions with assigned mentors culminating in participants creating a 100-day plan to implement their new knowledge. Upon completion, successful candidates will join their colleagues in the ELP Alumni community. Participants earn 12 PDH for full attendance.

Recognition

Successful candidates who complete the program will receive a press release (sample) acknowledging their status as a NSPE Emerging Leader and be invited to join the ELP Alumni Community populated by all former graduates of the program. This growing and vibrant community at NSPE will continue to engage in conversations about successes and challenges in the workplace and network with their peers. NSPE leaders also seek input from emerging leaders who are beginning to serve in leadership positions at local, state, and national levels and can help shape programs for other members.

Application and Acceptance Cycle
July 1, 2026 – Course syllabus available; Application website open
September 15, 2026 – Application deadline
October 15, 2026 – Participants notified of selection
October 29, 2026 – Registration fees due
January 20, 2027 – Orientation meeting for selected participants
January – June 2027 – Selected participants complete leadership syllabus
August 4 – 6, 2027 – Participants Alumni attend NSPECon27, the national Professional Engineers Conference (PECon) - Location California

What Particpants Gain

Personal leadership clarity

Identify strengths and growth areas; build an authentic leadership style through guided reflection

High-performing team skills

Learn frameworks for trust-building, accountability, and cohesive team dynamics that transfer directly to the workplace

Communication that works

Learn to navigate difficult conversations, give and receive feedback, and present with confidence

A lasting professional network

Gain cohort peers and mentors who become lasting career connections

A 100-day action plan

Graduate with a concrete leadership plan, ready to implement on day one

Recognition and visibility

See your name in a press release, join the ELP Alumni Community, and add a program to your resume that employers and peers recognize

Participants also indicated that the program would continue to inform their future leadership practices. Many plans to implement and refine the 100-day plan developed during the program and to reference The Five Dysfunctions of a Team as an ongoing leadership resource.

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Bhattacharjee
"The Emerging Leader Program transformed my mindset through mentorship, valuable tools, and constant motivation to keep pushing myself toward becoming the best version of who I can be; a goal that continues to shape my life every day."
Sangeeta Bhattacharjee, P.E., PMP
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Brandon Briegel, PE, CESCP
“The ELP was an invaluable experience, providing the framework to foster authentic leadership and career progression. CrossGroup and the mentors don’t just instruct, they listen to you and help you contribute in a meaningful way.”
Brandon Briegel, PE, CESCP
Emerging Leaders Program
2025 Emerging Leaders

The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is pleased to recognize twelve talented professionals who recently completed the Society’s Emerging Leaders Program.

2025 Emerging Leaders Collage