2026 Program Director Academy Application

The CSWE Program Director Academy is designed to support new program directors with three years or less in the role as they navigate the complexities of social work program administration. This program will provide participants with practical strategies and resources to strengthen their leadership, manage program operations effectively, and connect with fellow leaders and mentors. 

Experienced social work administrators will lead sessions on key topics, such as leadership, faculty management, accreditation and assessment, curriculum oversight, student support, and fostering an inclusive and collaborative program culture. 

Participants will form connections with fellow program directors from institutions across the country, building a supportive community of peers who are committed to advancing social work education through strong and effective leadership.  

Eligibility 

• This program is open to baccalaureate, master's, or practice doctorate program directors who have been in their position for 3 or fewer years.  
• Applicants must be from a CSWE member institution, and have their individual membership activated, to apply; Please visit our membership portal to ensure your individual membership is activated prior to applying.  
• If you have been in your position longer than 3 years and are interested in applying, please contact Education@cswe.org prior to applying. 

Programming 

The program requires a 1-year commitment (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027) and includes participation in the following: 

A Virtual Summer Leadership Institute on July 7, 9, 14 and 16, 2026 (3 hours each day: 1 pm - 4 pm EST). 

• This virtual workshop with cohort participants is designed to build and strengthen administrative and leadership capacity with a focus on management competencies and leadership development for the director role. 
• National leaders will speak on topics related to leading social work programs and leadership development. 
• Networking opportunities will be available with other program directors across the country.  

A full-day Leadership Development Institute held October 22, 2026 at the CSWE Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA.  

Online modules, webinars, and virtual networking opportunities through the CSWE Learning Academy in spring 2026. Participants will apply and integrate core concepts and competencies from the program to initiatives in their home institutions. 

• An exclusive webinar for PDA cohort members will be held in the winter or early spring of 2027.  

Quarterly virtual Check-ins  

• Virtual Check-ins will be held on the following dates from 1-2:30pm ET: November 19, 2026; February 18, 2027; and June 10, 2027. 
• Virtual check-ins will be led by CSWE staff members and invited mentors and provide an opportunity for cohort participants to share resources, engage concerning programmatic concerns, and brainstorm the application of best leadership strategies in their programs.  

Program Completion Reception and Certificate of Completion 

• A combined reception for Program Director and Teaching Academy Members held at CSWE's Annual Conference.
• Certificate of Completion will be sent to each participant

Application 

Applicants must submit a completed application and corresponding materials by Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM (ET). 

Required application materials include: 

• a completed online application form; 
• Personal statement; CSWE reviews applications to understand each applicant’s perspective and experience. If you use AI or other resources, applicants are responsible for ensuring their submission is original, written in your own voice, and not copied from external sources or generated text submitted without meaningful personal review; 
• a letter of support from chair or dean; and 
• a current CV. 

Applications will be reviewed by CSWE. A limited number of applicants will be accepted, and decisions will be issued by April 15, 2025. 

 Program Fees and Expenses 

The fee for the 2026–2027 Program Director Academy is $1,500, payable on acceptance into the program. This fee covers expenses related to speakers, course materials, and other items. Tuition fee also covers the registration for the 2026 Leadership Development Institute, but not the 2026 Annual Conference registration. Participants are responsible for any additional fees related to travel to attend other in-person Annual Conference meetings and registration.  

Acceptance letters and invoices will be sent to select candidates in mid-April. Once an applicant is selected to participate in the program, the registration fee is due by July 5, 2026. Failure to pay the fee by this time may result in removal from the cohort. Any additional expenses are the responsibility of the participant or college/school.  

If you have questions about the CSWE Program Director Academy, please send an email to Education@cswe.org 

If you have technical questions about the form please direct your questions to Submittable's Help Center. For questions regarding the application or program, please email Education@cswe.org.