Leadership Academy

A Transformative Experience for ESA Senior Leaders

The AESA Leadership Academy is a selective, yearlong executive learning experience designed for ESA CEOs and senior cabinet leaders who are ready to shape the future of regional educational service agencies. Throughout the Academy, participants strengthen strategic vision, political leadership, entrepreneurial thinking, ethical AI and technology leadership, cross-functional systems thinking, global perspective, and succession-focused sustainability while applying their learning directly to a real agency priority with lasting organizational impact.

What You Will Gain

As a Leader

Sharpen your strategic vision and systems leadership

Strengthen cultural intelligence and global perspective

Build confidence in innovation, emerging trends, and AI

Join a high-trust national network of ESA peers

Develop political acumen and resource advocacy skills

In Your Agency

Apply learning to a real agency priority throughout the year

Bring back practical tools, ideas, and leadership artifacts

Strengthen innovation, adaptability, and long-term resilience

Translate global insights into local strategy and action

Produce a strategic leadership portfolio you can use immediately

2026-27 Learning Arc

#	Date	Format	Module Focus
1	July 13–14, 2026	In Person: Riverside, CA	Strategic Foresight and Visionary Leadership
2	Aug 27, 2026	Virtual	Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI and Digital Transformation
3	Sept 25–26, 2026	In Person: Washington, D.C.	Political Acumen, Coalition Building, and Resource Advocacy
4	Oct 22, 2026	Virtual	Organizational Health, Clarity, and Adaptive Change
5	Dec 2–3, 2026	In Person: Orlando, FL	The Entrepreneurial ESA: Service Portfolios, Co-Design, and ROI
6	Feb 9, 2027	Virtual	Cross-Functional Systems That Break Silos
7	Apr 1–9, 2027	In Person: Vienna & Budapest	Global Systems Lab: Comparative Leadership and Cultural Intelligence
8	May 13, 2027	Virtual	Sustainable Growth and Succession for the Next Horizon

Global Systems Lab: Vienna & Budapest

April 1-9, 2027

The 9-day international experience in Vienna and Budapest is a defining part of the Academy’s learning arc. Through applied learning and comparative systems thinking, participants explore how global systems approach innovation, workforce development, partnerships, and public value. Leaders return with stronger cultural intelligence, broader perspective, new ideas for agency growth and service design, and practical insights that can strengthen their agencies and communities.

"I cannot say enough about how much this year has meant to me personally and professionally. To get to know all of you, it's been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I have learned so much from each of you and our organization is better because of you. It is impossible to quantify the return of the investment the time spent together. Thank you, everybody, for being open, transparent, and just awesome!"

"Overall, the experience broadened my global mindset and reinforced the value of inclusive, people-centered leadership, in which collaboration, respect, and cultural awareness drive stronger outcomes."

"We live in a global society and having the opportunity to learn from others around the world has been such a privilege and helped me more effectively lead my organization!"

"Engaging in meaningful professional conversations with colleagues provided valuable insights and challenged my thinking in productive ways. Beyond the professional growth, I built genuine relationships and friendships that I believe will endure for years, serving as a source of inspiration and collaboration in future endeavors."

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be a current ESA CEO with at least two years of experience, or serve in a cabinet-level ESA position with at least four years of experience and the support of your current CEO.
Commit to attending all academy events, including:
- Virtual and in-person sessions
- The international travel experience
- Three AESA conferences: Summer Leadership Conference, Advocacy in Action Conference, and the Annual Conference
Possess a valid passport by October 1, 2026.

Tuition and Expenses

$13,000 (includes all academy sessions and the international travel experience)
Each agency covers participant domestic travel expenses and conference registration fees.
Participants may choose to pay 50% of tuition in fiscal year 2026, with total payment due by March 1, 2027.

Download the Board & Executive Guide (PDF): A resource outlining the purpose, value, and long-term impact of the Leadership Academy investment.

Ready to Lead the Future of Your ESA?

Now is the time to invest in your leadership and the future of your ESA. We encourage you to apply for the 2026–27 cohort of the AESA Leadership Academy.

Apply soon. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for a selective, smaller cohort.

Apply Today

For information about this program, contact:

brunette woman Jessica Huizenga, Ed.D.
Chief Program Officer
Email