Leadership Development & Scholarship Program


Scholarship Opportunities

CalSAE is excited to announce the expansion of our scholarship program, which now offers 10 different opportunities and broadens eligibility guidelines so more members can qualify. Note that there are two opportunities available for each scholarship type listed.

Achieving Your CAE
The Certified Association Executive credential represents the standard of knowledge in the association profession. The CAE is considered a distinguished accomplishment in association management. 
Advancing Together
Mentoring Program
You will be matched with a seasoned association executive as a mentor. The program includes training for you and the mentor, personalized matches and engagement strategies. 


Aspire: The Academy for Next Gen Association Leadership
A four-part series to build mid-level managers' leadership capabilities in the association profession and bolster career growth. Lead by a set of 10 esteemed association faculty advisors.
ELEVATE Annual Conference
CalSAE's four-day-long premier learning event held each spring. includes two keynote speakers and over 23 learning sessions as well as extensive peer networking.
Learning Fund 
This award is available to waive or offset registration fees, typically local programs. Includes regional LevelUP events, Associations 360, and webinars. 

More Details

Apply by Dec 20

Purpose and Goals

CalSAE is committed to investing in its members' leadership skills by providing accessible professional development opportunities and fostering a strong sense of community. The Leadership Development and Scholarship Program combines a set of scholarship opportunities for our members to build their leadership skills and professional network. We seek to minimize barriers that hinder participation while empowering individuals to advance their careers.

Diversity Statement for Scholarships & Awards

CalSAE aims to increase opportunities and remove barriers to accessing professional development and engaging with the association community. Even if you do not believe you meet every qualification, we welcome applications from individuals passionate about advancing their education and contributing to their communities. CalSAE wants to ensure a diverse representation of all social and professional identities better to reflect the diverse population of the Association Community.

Diversity at CalSAE encompasses a broad spectrum of individual differences and experiences. We value and respect each person's unique, social, and professional qualities in the association community. 

This includes but is not limited to, professional experience, social identity, or other barriers to access not listed below. We invite you to tell us your story and how you will benefit from the opportunities offered by the CalSAE scholarship program.

Professional Experience

  • Leadership Level
  • Geographic Scope (Local, State, National, etc.)
  • Economic Sector (Industry Type: Chamber, Medical, Education, etc.)
  • Staff Size
  • Annual Budget

Social Identity

  • Racial and ethnic diversity
  • Gender identity, Expression, & Sexual Orientation
  • Socioeconomic status
  • Disability
  • Age
  • Religion
  • Geographic location (urban, suburban, rural)

Scholarship applications will be reviewed by the Leadership Development Committee and recipients announced in late January. For any questions please contact Denize Maldonado, Director of Membership Engagement