January 2, 2026 –The YMCA Alliance of Northern New England is excited to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026 Leadership Academy.

Leadership Academy is a unique and robust professional development opportunity for rising stars in the Y movement to sharpen their leadership skills in preparation for taking their careers to new levels.

This small-group cohort-based program uses a blended- learning approach and is held over a ten-month period with several web-based interactive sessions, peer group projects, individual learning plans, and three overnight in-person sessions.

Access the nomination form here.

Eligibility Criteria & Selection Process:

This program is designed for emerging leaders that direct multiple departments, or for those that lead a large department functioning across multiple sites. Participants must have worked full- time for their YMCA for a minimum of two years.

Participants will be selected in collaboration with Alliance and local YMCA leadership. Participants must be able to commit to attending all sessions.

The cost of this program is $1,200 and is paid by the participants’ YMCA. This fee covers course instruction, program materials, attendance at the 2026 NNE Leadership Conference, and lodging and food for in-person meetings. Each YMCA will ensure that its participant is granted the necessary time out of the office to attend all Leadership Academy meetings and is reimbursed for any additional travel expenses consistent with its staff travel policy.

Nominations must be submitted by the nominee’s supervisor or Y CEO. All nominations are due by January 30, 2026.

Program Schedule:

March 9, 2026 | Program Orientation VIRTUAL

March 23-24, 2026 | Opening Session IN-PERSON (Portsmouth. NH)

April 7, 2026 | Developing & Inspiring People VIRTUAL

May 5, 2026 | Cause Driven Leadership & Advancing Our Mission VIRTUAL

May 19-20, 2026 | Facilitating Engaged Participation and Collaboration IN-PERSON (Location TBD)

June 3, 2026 | Building Relationships & Board Governance VIRTUAL

July & August 2026 | Peer Visits & Group Project Work

September 2, 2026 | Peer Visit Learnings & Leading Operations VIRTUAL

September 24, 2026 | Facilities Management VIRTUAL

October 7, 2026 | Cultivating a Culture of Giving VIRTUAL

October 28, 2026 | Group Project Working Session VIRTUAL

November 2026 | Final Presentations, NNE Leadership Conference, Graduation IN-PERSON (Portland, ME)