Next Generation Leaders Fellowship 
 

Apply for the 2027-2028 Cohort.

For your application, you will need:

  • An up-to-date resume
  • A letter of support. Executive leadership preferred.
  • Responses to seven essay questions. See below.

Note: You will not be able to save your progress. We recommend gathering the required materials in advance and drafting your responses separately, then copying and pasting them into the application form when you’re ready to apply.

The deadline to apply is March 31, 2027 by 5 p.m. CT.

For more information, please see the fellowship FAQ or contact nextgen@aha.org.

Start Your Next Generation Leaders Fellowship Application

About You
Preferred Phone
How did you hear about this program?
About Your Organization
About Your Current Role
Please select the category that best describes your current role.
Please select what best describes your background/training.
Note: Please only include individuals who report directly to you (e.g., managers, supervisors). Do not include indirect reports or broader team members.
Executive Sponsor Information

Each accepted fellow is required to have an executive sponsor who will be informally involved throughout the program year. Fellows will connect with their sponsor twice to share progress, learnings and updates on their capstone project.

 

Application Essay Questions

Please complete the following essay questions to tell us more about your professional experiences, goals and proposed capstone project.

Note: You will not be able to save your progress. We recommend drafting your responses separately then copy-pasting them into the application form when you’re ready to apply.

 

Describe one or two examples of a time when you stepped up to address an issue or challenge in a way that demonstrated your capacity as a leader.
 (e.g., strategic thinking, influencing others, leading change, etc.)
(Consider roles, impact or contributions you hope to make within your organization or the broader healthcare field.)
Capstone Project Narrative

The Next Generation Leaders Fellowship challenges participants to identify and address a complex issue within their organization or community. With support from mentors and peers, participants will design and implement a solution over the course of the 12-month fellowship. The program culminates at the AHA Leadership Summit in July 2028, where fellows will present the impact of their capstone projects as posters.

Scholarship-Specific Guidelines

If you are applying for a scholarship, ensure your proposal aligns with the criteria below:

John A. Hartford Foundation Age-Friendly Health Systems Scholarship

This scholarship is designed for applicants who are committed to advancing Age-Friendly Health Systems. Ideal candidates are those who plan to implement or expand at least one of the 4Ms (What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility) as part of their capstone project. Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement and show how their project will improve care for older adults.

Richard J. Umbdenstock Next Generation Leadership Scholarship

This scholarship honors Rich Umbdenstock’s legacy of advancing healthcare leadership. It is intended for AHA member organizations or state hospital associations. Ideal candidates will have a capstone project focused on improving access to care and propose innovative strategies or solutions that strengthen healthcare delivery.

Note: Check out summaries of former fellows' capstone projects.

 

Briefly describe the focus of your proposed capstone project. What issue are you addressing, and what change do you hope to achieve?
What is the complex challenge you aim to solve? Why is it important to your organization or community? Include relevant context, data or stakeholder perspectives that illustrate the significance of the issue.
Describe the solution you plan to develop and implement during the fellowship. What specific outcomes do you aim to achieve within the 12-month period? How will you measure success? Consider process (lead) and outcome (lag) measures you aim to impact.
Outline the support your organization will provide to help you succeed. This may include leadership buy-in, access to data or resources, dedicated time or collaboration with internal teams.
Available Scholarship(s)
If you are applying for a scholarship, please indicate which scholarship you are applying for.
Did your organization participate in an Action Community (e.g., AHA, IHI)?
Action Communities are 7‑month collaboratives (Spring or Fall) supporting the 4Ms framework.
Season
If you are not selected for a scholarship, would you still like to be considered for a seat in the program?
Upload Supporting Documents
Note: This letter should come from a member of your organization’s executive leadership. This letter does not need to come from your Executive Sponsor, though it may. The letter should endorse your participation in the fellowship, highlight your leadership and contributions and confirm your organization’s support for both your project and your professional development. This letter helps our review panel understand your readiness for the fellowship and the level of institutional support behind your proposed capstone project.
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Profile
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