LEAP Advance

Next Session

July 9-12, 2025

Leadership Development Program for Higher Education

In partnership with APAHE (Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education), LEAP Advance is an intensive four-day leadership development program designed to enhance the impact of higher education professionals in leadership roles and to assume positions of greater visibility and influence on campus. For over 28 years, LEAP Advance has graduated Asian and Pacific Islander educators who have been promoted into roles with significant impact.

The basis of the program is a nexus between experiential learning, mentoring/coaching, and developing leadership awareness based on our diverse cultural contexts. Participants receive individual and small group mentoring, practice interviewing, and dialogue with noted Asian and Pacific Islander educators, including college presidents.

2025 Advance

Location:

Kellogg West Conference Center and Hotel

3801 W Temple Ave Bldg. 76, Pomona, CA 91768

Program Dates:

July 9-12, 2025

Program Cost:

$2,250

Although the program is open to all, those with a strong understanding of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures and backgrounds are likely to benefit the most from the scope and content of the programming.

Acceptances are made on a rolling basis and seats are limited.


Being engaged with LEAP will expose you to opportunities that you may have never have thought of yourself.

Henry Gee, LEAP ‘97
Vice President, Student Services, Rio Hondo College

2025 Program

The only leadership training program in the U.S. that offers invaluable insights from successful Asian and Pacific Islander higher education leaders across diverse backgrounds.


Day 1

Introduces the participants to the legacy of the LEAP Advance program. There is a focus on building community by engaging in discussions related to the state of Asian and Pacific Islander leadership in higher ed, leading from one's culture and values, and working with different communication styles.


Day 2

Participants hear from LEAP Advance alums and other administrative leaders who provide advice and perspective on navigating career advancement. Participants take part in mock interviews to help them prepare for the next steps of their professional journeys.


Day 3

Participants will learn from higher ed leaders and receive mentorship from the LEAP Advance faculty and volunteers.


Day 4

Participants spend time reflecting on what they have learned and the takeaways from the program that they share as part of a final presentation.

Who Participates?

Ideal participants have 5+ years of experience working in higher education. Past participants include tenured professors, administrators and support staff from diverse disciplines such as science and engineering, student services and fiscal management. Among the program’s “alumni honor roll” are presidents, vice presidents, deans, faculty department chairs and program directors. To date, LEAP has graduated over 800 participants in this program, many of whom have been promoted to advanced leadership roles in higher education.

A Note for Humanities Scholars: This year, LEAP Advance is making a special effort to recruit individuals with backgrounds in the Humanities. We recognize the unique perspectives and skills that those within the Humanities bring to leadership roles in higher education. To support this initiative, the Mellon Foundation has partnered with LEAP to provide supplementary tuition assistance. This funding is specifically designated for participants whose primary academic focus falls within the Humanities. Eligible disciplines include: Anthropology, Asian American Studies, Archaeology, Art History, Classics, Ethnic Studies, Film Studies, Gender Studies, History, Language Studies, Literature, Musicology, Performance Studies, Philosophy, Political Theory, and Religious Studies. If your expertise lies within these fields, we strongly encourage you to apply and explore how LEAP Advance can help you advance your leadership potential.

Contacts

Chingcha Vang
Program Manager
(323) 572-5992
cvang@leap.org

Eledy Vargas
Operations Manager
(213) 453-7840
evargas@leap.org

I want to apply for LEAP Advance!

Alumni Thoughts About LEAP Advance:

LEAP Advance is truly the most uplifting and memorable professional development I have participated in. It is through this program that I am encouraged to aspire to higher levels of leadership within higher education. LEAP Advance instilled in me the important role I have as an Asian Pacific American on a college campus.  Our professional presence in higher education is not only important for students, but aspiring APA professionals who are working to ‘make their mark’ as leaders in higher education.

I cannot remember a single program where the contents were that rich, with the caliber of the facilitators, educators, and the mentors and the level of their involvement and commitment to the participant success I experienced.

The most profound takeaway for me was the reassurance and confirmation that I’m ready for the next step, and that a support group exists to help guide me along the way.

I will be prepared to pivot when setbacks occur and spring when opportunities occur.