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.
2027 Emerging Leaders Program
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) is pleased to recognize twelve talented professionals who recently completed the Society’s Emerging Leaders Program.
Registration is open for NSPECon26 in New York City, New York!
Volunteering at NSPE is a great opportunity to grow your professional network and connect with other leaders in the field.
Decisions at the ballot box influence policies that support engineering standards and public safety.