General Information
Leadership Pipeline Class of 2024
“One of the largest benefits I have gotten out of the Leadership Pipeline has been the ample opportunities to network with other professionals across our organization. From my mentor to the other mentees to their mentors, we have all become interconnected and freely reach out to each other with ideas and issues. For anyone new to the field or looking to expand their network as they move into leadership roles, the Leadership Pipeline is an excellent resource with genuinely kind and invested people to make long lasting contacts with.” Kyle Morrison, Leadership Pipeline Graduate Class of 2024
Learn. Grow. Lead.
Innovative...
The first of its kind among regional financial aid associations, the Leadership Pipeline program is designed to foster a heightened understanding of leadership principles - uniquely focused on the profession of financial aid administration - and provide direct exposure to association leadership, governance, structure, needs, and challenges.
Uniquely Structured...
Selected mentees join a program cohort with whom they will spend a twelve-month period engaging in leadership training, group discussion, and informational reading and exercises. Mentees are strategically paired with seasoned RMASFAA mentors and the mentee/mentor relationship is intended to enhance and solidify the experience in the program. Generally, the Leadership Pipeline launches at the RMASFAA Annual Conference and concludes at the Annual Conference the following year.
Pay it Forward...
RMASFAA believes that support of its members in the Leadership Pipeline program and their successful completion serve to strengthen the "pipeline" of financial aid administrators who are equipped to assume leadership positions within RMASFAA and adapt to the ever-changing needs of a dynamic professional association.
Sustainable Leadership...
Recognizing the need to sustain a qualified and capable pool of members to serve in committee, committee chair, and officer positions, the 2005-06 RMASFAA Board of Directors began exploring ways to ensure continued continuity of leadership within the regional association. The overarching goal has been - and continues to be - developing a "bench" of leaders who have the skills and familiarity to ensure the ongoing viability of RMASFAA and its ability to effectively deliver mission-centered training and benefits to its members.
Effective...
Initially modeled after a similarly structured program in Park County, Wyoming, RMASFAA launched the first Leadership Pipeline class in October 2007 at the Annual Conference in Breckenridge, Colorado. That first class was celebrated for completion of the program during the awards banquet of the 2008 Annual Conference in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. October 2022’s conference celebrates over 75 graduates of the program since 2007.
Award Winning...
Recognized by NASFAA with a Regional Training award at the 2008 National Conference in Orlando, FL, RMASFAA's Leadership Pipeline is a one-year in length, structured leadership development and professional mentoring program for financial aid professionals.
Application Required...
The Leadership Application is available in early spring. The application generally consists of a personal letter of interest, supervisor letter of support, and a commitment to association volunteerism upon successful completion of the program. Selected mentees will be notified by the Leadership Pipeline Chair in late summer of their admission into the program.