The Alaska Leadership Academy (ALA), sponsored by Alaska Policy Forum, is designed to train, inform, equip and connect experienced and emerging leaders in Alaska. The program is based on the enduring freedom principles of our country, and explores how those apply to the challenges our state and nation face today. Graduates will be positioned to grow as visionary and principled thought leaders who can guide Alaska’s future.
The application period for this year has closed. Please come back next year for information on how to apply for the 2024-2025 Academy.
How does it work?
The ALA program consists of eight sessions held in Anchorage monthly from September to April. On Saturday, training is from 8:30 am to 5:00 PM, with breakfast and lunch provided. There are also programs each Friday evening before every Saturday class; most Fridays are optional. Outstanding instructors from around the country and Alaska will facilitate and present on topics such as capitalism and free markets, ethical leadership, on-camera media training, Alaska’s constitution, and crisis management. ALA 2023-24 Syllabus. Participants are expected to attend all session dates as noted below, and do outside reading and work as assigned throughout the course.
2023-24 course dates are as follows in Anchorage.
- September 22 & 23
- October 20 & 21
- November 10 & 11
- December 8 & 9
- January 12 & 13
- February 9 & 10
- March 8 & 9
- April 12 & 13
Who is eligible?
Any Alaskan can apply! Seats are limited and competitive: some applicants will be chosen for interviews, and from those interviews, the final cohort will be selected. Successful applicants are motivated individuals from all corners of Alaska with demonstrated leadership potential and a desire to make a difference for our state.
What’s the cost?
Participants pay a modest tuition and agree to participate fully in the program. Thanks to generous donations by Alaska Policy Forum supporters, the 2023-24 tuition is $750 per participant. A limited number of partial tuition scholarships are available for those who need financial assistance. For non-Anchorage students, partial travel stipends are available upon request. Additionally, limited travel scholarships may be available for situations of demonstrated financial need.
For 2023, tuition is $750, and can be paid via a payment plan.
How do I apply?
The application period for this year has closed. Please come back next year for information on how to apply for the 2024-2025 Academy.