CSWE Program Director Academy

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The application call for the 2024 – 2025 Program Director Academy is now open!

Participant Requirements and Program Details
The program is for current baccalaureate and master’s program directors who have been in their positions fewer than 3 years. CSWE individual membership or affiliaton with an accredited member program is required at the time of application.

The program requires a 1-year commitment (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025) and includes participation in the following:

  • A Virtual Summer Leadership Institute on July 9, 11, 16 and 18, 2024 (3 hours each day: 1 pm - 4 pm EST).
    • This virtual workshop with cohort participants is designed to build and strengthen administrative and leadership capacity with a focus on management competencies and leadership development for the director role.
    • National leaders will speak on the following topics: strategic management, skills of supervision, communication, effective meetings, leadership self-assessment, and resource development as it relates to job function.
    • Networking opportunities will be available with other BSW and MSW program directors across the country.
  • A full-day Leadership Development Institute held at the CSWE Annual Program Meeting (APM) on October 24, 2024, in Kansas City, MO
  • Online modules, webinars, and virtual networking opportunities through the CSWE Learning Academy in spring 2025. Participants will apply and integrate core concepts and competencies from the program to initiatives in their home institutions.
  • Quarterly virtual check-ins held October 10, 2024,  at 1pm – 2pm EST, February 20, 2025, at 1pm – 2pm EST, and June 26, 2025, at 1pm – 2pm EST. Virtual check-ins will be led by CSWE staff members and invited speakers and provide an opportunity for cohort participants to share resources, engage concerning programmatic concerns, and brainstorm the application of best leadership strategies in their programs. 

Program completion reception and certificate presentation at the 2025 APM in Denver, CO, on October 23, 2025.

Application Process
Applicants must submit a completed application and corresponding materials through the online application system before Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 11:59 PM (ET). 

Required application materials include

  • a completed online application form
  • a letter of support from dean, and
  • a current CV/résumé.

Applications will be reviewed by CSWE and the CSWE Council on Leadership Development. A limited number of applicants will be accepted, and decisions will be issued on May 8, 2024.

Program Fees and Expenses
The fee for the 2024–2025 Program Director Academy is $1,500, payable on acceptance into the program. This fee covers expenses related to speakers, course materials, and other items. Tuition fee also covers the registration for the 2024 Leadership Development Institute, but not the 2024 APM registration. Participants are responsible for any additional fees related to travel to attend other in-person APM meetings and APM registration. CSWE will provide LDI agenda in due course. If you have questions about the CSWE Program Director Academy, please send an email to  [email protected].