The Post-Doctoral AAPA Leadership Fellows program is a two-year leadership pipeline program that provides mentorship and professional development for early career psychologists. The program seeks to demystify leadership and provide access to leadership opportunities by creating more pathways for psychologists from diverse groups (including demographics, disciplines in psychology, career trajectories, access to Asian American mentors, etc.). Individuals who wish to become more actively involved in AAPA are strongly encouraged to apply.
Fellows selected for the program will participate in: monthly professional development conference calls with the Leadership Fellows co-chairs and/or invited speakers; individual and group mentoring from experienced leaders in AAPA and Past Fellows; and the opportunity to observe and participate in AAPA Executive Committee sessions. Fellows will complete a Fellows’ Project by the end of their second year and present their project at the AAPA conference. Fellows from the 2020 cohort will then become Past Fellows and will mentor incoming fellows for the 2021 year.
Fellows will receive a stipend each year to defray travel costs for each required meeting (i.e., AAPA conference, midyear meeting TBD or other agreed upon professional conference or meeting). The stipend will provide a maximum of $1000 per trip per Fellow, up to $2000 for the entire year. Additional costs of travel and participation will be at fellows’ expense.
Fellows’ Projects
Working closely with a Project Mentor, Fellows will assume primary responsibility for a Fellow’s Project associated with AAPA initiatives and activities. The specific goals and outcomes for each Fellow in relation to their project will be developed in collaboration with their mentors.
Past examples of fellows’ projects included:
Creating fact sheets on bullying and suicide among Asian Americans
Aiding in drafting grant proposals for CNPAAEMI Leadership Fellows program
Assisting state organizations with the creation of a Mental Health Information Sheet for California Insurance Programs
Attendance at the California Leadership and Advocacy Conference as an AAPA representative with a report to the Newsletter
Participation on the Social Justice Task Force for the creation of the AAPA Social Justice Standing Committee program
Applicant Criteria
Applicants must be AAPA members who have completed their doctoral degree. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated interest and experience in social justice activities, as well as those who have some prior leadership experience in local contexts (e.g., within their graduate program). Those without leadership experience at the national level within psychology (e.g., held formal leadership positions in APA or other national psychological associations or served in any capacity on the AAPA Executive Committee) will be prioritized. Individuals who are interested in getting more involved in AAPA but have not had access to formal mentoring, professional development, or leadership opportunities are encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Selection cycle takes place during summer on an annual basis.
Applications should include (a) the required cover sheet (attached and also available at the AAPA website, https://beta.aapaonline.org/). (b) the applicant’s CV, (c) a short statement (no more than 1500 words) describing the reasons for applying prior leadership experience, and future goals, and (e) one letter of reference from an individual familiar with the applicant’s professional work and past leadership experiences.
