Apply Now: 2026 Academy to Advance Leadership Within Extension (AALE)
go.ncsu.edu/readext?1100431
en Español / em Português
El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.
Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.
Português
Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.
Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.
English
English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.
Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.
Collapse ▲We are pleased to share some exciting news regarding the Academy to Advance Leadership within Extension (AALE). The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission (NCTTFC) has awarded $110,000 in funding to support the second cohort of the Academy in 2026.
This grant will fund the full experience for participants, including our continued partnership with the Shelton Leadership Center to provide leadership assessments and curriculum, as well as field trips and tours, group meals, lodging during sessions, speakers and group transportation. The only expenses not covered by the grant are travel to and from duty stations to session venues, including mileage and meals per diem while in travel status.
What is AALE?
The Academy to Advance Leadership within Extension (AALE) is a yearlong professional development program designed to cultivate leadership capacity across our organization through experiential learning, reflection and collaboration. Participants engage in a series of sessions focused on key areas of leadership development:
- Session 1: Leading Self — January 27–29, 2026
- Session 2: Leading Others — March 24–26, 2026
- Session 3: Leading Teams — May 26–28, 2026
- Session 4: Leading Organizations — September 29–October 1, 2026
- Session 5: Leading Change & Graduation — December 1–3, 2026
Who Can Apply?
Faculty and non-faculty employees who have an Extension appointment or who are affiliated with Extension can apply for AALE. Examples of job titles of those who are welcome to apply include but are not limited to:
- County Extension Director
- Associate or Full Extension Agent (NC State University or NC A&T agents)
- Research Station Superintendent
- Extension Specialist (Associate or Full Professor Status)
- Extension Associate
Are There Any Other Criteria?
Anyone who applies will need to show evidence of:
- How they have contributed to Extension and its mission
- A solid foundation of Extension programming or research
- Leadership experience either in their work role or within their community
- A goal for participating in AALE
- What they envision for the future of their career
- Will need to have worked within Extension/CALS for at least three (3) years
For questions, contact Dave Herpy, Extension Organizational Development (EOD) coordinator, via email djherpy@ncsu.edu.
How Do I Apply?
Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open – interested employees may apply below:
APPLY NOW: AALE Application Form | DEADLINE: November 14, 2025
We are grateful to the NCTTFC for their continued support and investment in building leadership capacity within N.C. Cooperative Extension. I encourage all eligible Extension professionals who are passionate about leadership and professional growth to apply for this unique and rewarding experience.
With gratitude,
David