
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
