Becoming a Mentor

Share your experience, guide a rising leader, and help shape the future of health care through the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship. The AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship is a year-long leadership development program for emerging hospital and health system leaders. Fellows participate in immersive learning experiences, peer collaboration, and a capstone project focused on addressing real organizational challenges. Each fellow is paired with an experienced mentor who supports their leadership development and capstone work throughout the program.

Mentor Commitment & Quick Facts

  • Time Commitment: ~1–3 hours per month
  • Program Length: 12 months
  • Kick-off Event: June 22–23, 2026 (Chicago)
  • Honorarium: Provided
  • Selection Notification: May 2026
  • Questions: nextgen@aha.org

What You Can Expect

  • Meet with your assigned fellow approximately once per month
  • Provide guidance on leadership growth and career development
  • Offer feedback and perspective on the fellow’s capstone project
  • Support the fellow as they apply program learning in their organization
  • Participate in select program touchpoints (primarily virtual)
microphone icon

Attend a Mentor Info Session

Learn about expectations, time commitment, and the mentor–fellow experience.

Attend Webinar

microphone icon

Submit the Mentor Interest Form

Share your background and indicate interest in serving as a mentor.

Mentor Application

Why Mentor Through the AHA?

Emerging health care leaders are navigating unprecedented complexity, from workforce challenges to evolving care models and community needs. Mentors play a critical role in helping fellows turn learning into leadership action. By serving as a mentor, you’ll provide perspective, guidance, and practical insight while helping strengthen the future leadership pipeline for hospitals and health systems nationwide.