CASFAA Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) 2026

You are invited to join CASFAA's Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA), a premier professional development program designed to prepare the next generation of financial aid leaders across California. The 2026 Academy will be held August 3–7, 2026, at the University of San Diego.

ELA 2026 comes at a pivotal time for the financial aid profession. With the implementation of the 2026–27 FAFSA and significant federal policy changes resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), financial aid administrators must be prepared to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory and operational environment. This program is designed to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to lead effectively through this period of transformation.

The Emerging Leaders Academy provides a comprehensive training experience for early-career and aspiring leaders within financial aid offices, integrating federal and state policy knowledge with leadership development and practical application.

Program Overview

Topics include:

• Federal Financial Aid Administration: Administrative capability, audits, program reviews, and FISAP reporting
• Policy in Practice: Implementation of FAFSA changes and OBBBA-related updates
• California State Landscape: State aid programs, budget considerations, and legislative environment
• Leadership Development: Communication, conflict management, and leading through change
• Professional Effectiveness: Time management, career development, and workplace dynamics

Learning Experience

ELA 2026 emphasizes an interactive and applied learning model to ensure participants can translate knowledge into practice.

• NASFAA U Modules: Participants will complete select NASFAA U coursework aligned with current policy changes
• Experiential Learning: Sessions include presentations, case studies, exercises, and facilitated discussions
• Expert Instructors: Content is delivered by experienced practitioners and subject matter experts from across the field
• Peer Collaboration: Participants engage in networking and collaborative problem-solving with colleagues statewide
• Practical Application: Focus on real-world scenarios including communication strategies, compliance challenges, and leadership decision-making

Professional & Personal Development

ELA takes a holistic approach to leadership development, supporting both professional growth and personal effectiveness. Participants will:

• Build self-awareness and leadership identity
• Strengthen communication and relationship-building skills
• Develop strategies for managing conflict and organizational change
• Navigate workplace dynamics, including cross-functional collaboration and generational differences
• Establish goals that support long-term career advancement and work-life harmony

Who Should Attend

ELA 2026 is designed for:

• Financial aid professionals with approximately 1–7 years of experience
• Staff preparing for or recently entering supervisory, compliance, or leadership roles
• Professionals across CCC, CSU, UC, independent, and proprietary institutions

Registration Fees

Questions about the Emerging Leaders Academy? Reach out to the Training Committee at [email protected].