Leadership Advancement Program

Education for Emerging Leaders

Cancer center directors are invited to nominate one emerging leader from their center who is participating in the October 2026 AACI Leadership Development Workshop (LDW), or who attended a previous LDW, for a new educational program. 

This yearlong Leadership Advancement Program (LAP) expands on the LDW curriculum, providing a deeper understanding of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) and how cancer center leaders interact with the grant.

Tuition 

The cost for the yearlong program is $2,500/person. This includes four virtual sessions and registration for the 19th Annual AACI CRI Meeting, 2027 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting, and the 2027 AACI Leadership Development Workshop. Travel expenses are not included in the tuition price.

Learning Objectives

  • Describe the purpose, structure, and key components of the NCI CCSG
  • Explain how cancer center leaders support the successful administration of a CCSG-funded cancer center
  • Apply best practices in leadership, strategic planning, clinical research infrastructure, and shared resource management to strengthen cancer center operations
  • Build a network of peers and leaders to foster collaboration and professional development across AACI cancer centers
Note: Program content will reflect the guidance and requirements outlined in NCI CCSG Notices of Funding Opportunity issued in 2027 and thereafter, ensuring training aligned with the most current CCSG expectations.


Benefits 

  • Cancer center leadership training
  • Networking with peers and cancer center leaders
  • Complimentary registration for the 19th Annual AACI CRI Meeting, the 2027 Leadership Development Workshop, and the 2027 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting
  • Certificate of completion and recognition as an AACI Leadership Advancement Program  graduate, with inclusion in an alumni network that receives invitations to future networking events, leadership discussions, and mentorship opportunities

  • Selected to attend the AACI Leadership Development Workshop (LDW) (October 24-25, in conjunction with the 2026 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting in Chicago) or attended a past LDW

  • Identified as an emerging leader at an AACI cancer center with a demonstrated interest in leadership development and currently serving in, or preparing for, a leadership role, such as cancer center director (within two years of appointment); deputy director; assistant or associate director; program leader; or assistant, associate, or full professor.

  • Demonstrates a track record of leadership and a desire for career evolution within the cancer center leadership structure

  • Committed to attending required virtual sessions and in-person meetings as described in Participant Expectations

  • Online application form, completed by nominee or cancer center director

  • Submission of NIH Biosketch that includes a personal statement describing the applicant’s interest in the program, professional development goals, and area(s) of leadership interest (e.g., executive leadership, clinical research, etc.)

  • Letter of recommendation from the cancer center director or their designee confirming institutional support for the applicant's full participation in the program and highlighting the applicant's professional accomplishments, leadership potential, career trajectory, and career goals

  • Attend and actively engage in at least three of the four virtual sessions 
  • Complete required pre-session preparation and post-session assignments to reinforce learning and apply key concepts
  • Participate in both 2027 AACI conferences: the 19th Annual AACI CRI Meeting (June 28-30; in person or virtual) and the 2027 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting (Fall 2027; in person)
  • Complete a capstone project for presentation at the 2027 AACI Leadership Development Workshop

Monday, August 10
Application opens

Wednesday, September 30
Applications due

Thursday, October 1-Friday, October 16
Application review period

Friday, October 23
Accepted participants notified 

Friday, January 15, 2027
Virtual LAP courses begin

All dates are subject to change.

Schedule & Topic Overview

All virtual session times are in eastern time. Schedule and topics are subject to change.

Friday, January 15, 2027 
1:00–4:00 pm
Proposed topic(s): History and Fundamentals of the Cancer Center Support Grant and Introduction to Essential Characteristics With Focus on Organization, Leadership & Planning

Friday, March 19, 2027
1:00–4:00 pm 
Proposed topic(s): Transdisciplinary Collaboration and Coordination and Institutional Capacity

Friday, May 14, 2027
1:00–4:00 pm 
Proposed topic(s): Center Director and Center’s Administration

June 28-30, 2027 | 19th Annual AACI CRI Meeting
In person or virtual
Proposed in-person topic(s): Research Programs; Clinical Trials and Best Practices for Cancer Human Studies

Friday, August 20, 2027
1:00–4:00 pm
Proposed topic(s): Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC); Community Outreach and Engagement (COE); Shared Resource Management/Shared Resources

Fall 2027 | 2027 AACI/CCAF Annual Meeting/2027 AACI Leadership Development Workshop
In person
Proposed topic(s): Site-Specific Strategic Plan Development