Emerging Leader Grant 2026–2027The American College Counseling Association (ACCA) is pleased to invite applications from graduate students and new professionals for the 2026–2027 Emerging Leader Grant (ELG). The Emerging Leader Grant provides an opportunity for graduate students and new professionals to become more involved with ACCA, develop leadership experience, serve the association, and attend the 2027 ACCA Annual Conference in Houston, Texas. Application DeadlineDecember 10, 2026 at Midnight (12:00 a.m. CST) Applications and all required materials must be submitted electronically by the deadline. What the Emerging Leader Grant ProvidesThe Emerging Leader Grant covers the cost of registration for the 2027 ACCA Annual Conference and includes up to $500 in travel reimbursement, with receipts submitted after the conference. This is not a cash grant. The award consists of conference registration and eligible travel reimbursement. 2027 ACCA Annual ConferenceFebruary 18–21, 2027 Who May Apply?Applicants must be graduate students or new professionals and must be willing to attend the 2027 ACCA Annual Conference and serve in the Emerging Leader position. Graduate StudentsGraduate students must be actively enrolled in a master's or doctoral graduate counseling program, such as clinical mental health, clinical psychology, or counselor education and supervision. New ProfessionalsNew professionals are those working in college counseling within two years of graduating from a counseling graduate program, or within two years of transitioning from another counseling profession into college counseling. College counseling includes a variety of professions such as mental health, career, or disability services. Eligibility Requirements
To join ACA and ACCA, visit the ACA membership website . Applicants joining or reinstating membership should forward their membership confirmation email to the Graduate Student Member-at-Large. Membership in ACA and ACCA will be verified before an application is considered. Emerging Leader ResponsibilitiesIndividuals selected as ACCA Emerging Leaders are expected to participate in the association before, during, and after the annual conference. Throughout the Emerging Leader Experience
At the 2027 ACCA Annual Conference
Following the ConferenceEmerging Leaders must write a short reflection essay within one month following the conference. Additional information about the essay will be provided to recipients. Essays may be quoted in future ACCA promotional materials. Application RequirementsApplications must include all five of the following items: 1. ACCA MembershipJoin or reinstate membership in ACCA and include your ACCA membership number in the application. 2. Completed Application FormComplete the 2026–2027 Emerging Leader Grant Application. 3. Resume or Curriculum VitaeInclude a current resume or curriculum vitae with your application materials. 4. Two Letters of Recommendation
Note: Letters from colleagues, classmates, family members, or friends will not be accepted. 5. Professional, Diversity, and Inclusion NarrativeSubmit a typed, double-spaced, 1–2 page narrative describing your past and current scholarly activities and/or professional service and how you are contributing to the future of the college counseling profession. Scholarly and professional activities may include presentations, publications, research projects, service within a college campus community, professional organizations, committees, or related activities. You are welcome to discuss how your identities, lived experiences, and/or professional experiences have shaped your professional commitment to diversity, inclusion, and multicultural competence. You may also describe how receiving this honor and attending the conference would support your future research, professional development, clinical work, advocacy, or contributions to college counseling. How to ApplyApplications must be submitted electronically by email to Janeyshka Ortiz-Flores. Submit all application materials as PDF files. Applications will not be accepted in any other format. The Emerging Leader Grant Review Committee will examine applications for eligibility before the selection process begins. Apply for the Emerging Leader GrantDownload and complete the 2026–2027 Emerging Leader Grant Application, then submit the application and all required materials by December 10, 2026. Review & SelectionThe review and selection committee will typically include the Graduate Student Member-at-Large, an ACCA Executive Council member, the ACCA Graduate Students & New Professionals Committee Chair or Co-Chair and/or committee members, and previous Emerging Leader Grant recipients. Decisions are based on the quality of the submitted information, with each application category considered in the overall score. The Emerging Leader Grant Review Committee will conduct a blind review of eligible applications to select recipients. All applicants will be notified by email regarding their application status. Individuals selected for an Emerging Leader Grant will receive additional information regarding conference registration. Questions?Janeyshka Ortiz-Flores, PsyD, MFTMember-at-Large, Graduate Students and New Professionals Explore ACCA GrantsLearn more about ACCA grant and funding opportunities for members. | Quick LinksJoin Now! Job Board Annual Conference Member Resources Contact UsUpcoming Events
Training & Supervision 2027 Annual Conference AnnouncementsView the press release on HEMHA's new guide to Animals on Campus Click here to access the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources ACCA joins the 4th edition of Health and Well being in Higher Education: A Commitment to Student Success Please note the addition of the College Counseling & Psychological Services Knowledge Base to the resources page. ACCA Members in the NewsBecca Smith is quoted in the Washington Post article "College mental health centers are swamped. Here's what parents can do." Andrew Lee is quoted in the Inside Higher Ed article on Suicidal Ideation Steffanie Grrossman is quoted in Online Counseling article College Students Diet and Mental Health Janelle Johnson comments on the state of mental services at community colleges. Janelle Johnson on College Counseling” Psychotherapy.net Interview. Follow the link to read the full interview. |