STEM Leadership & Advocacy Academy – Cohort 2026

The STEM Elevate Leadership & Advocacy Academy is a flagship program designed to equip women in STEM with the leadership, influence, and advocacy skills needed to drive meaningful change within their institutions, industries, and communities.

Following the successful implementation of the Career Navigator Program, STEM Elevate now invites applications for the Leadership & Advocacy Academy, a 6-month intensive program for emerging women leaders ready to move from career growth to systems change.

Key notes

  • Build leadership and influence skills: Gain practical experience in advocacy, negotiation, and strategic leadership.
  • Access mentorship and networks: Connect with mentors, peers, and opportunities across STEM fields.
  • Lead a real-world impact project: Design and implement a change initiative with visibility and potential funding support.

About the Program

The Academy supports 25 high-potential women in STEM across disciplines including engineering, computing, biological sciences, mathematics, health sciences, and agriculture.

Participants will:

Engage with mentors, leaders, and peers across STEM fields

Develop personalized leadership roadmaps using AI-powered tools

Build skills in negotiation, public speaking, and strategic leadership

Learn how to influence policy, systems, and institutional practices

Design and implement a leadership or advocacy change project

What You Will Gain

  • A clear leadership identity and direction
  • Practical experience leading a real-world change initiative
  • Access to mentors, networks, and opportunities
  • Skills in advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and influence
  • Eligibility to apply for STEM Impact Grants

Program Structure (6 Months)

  • Month 1–2: Leadership foundations and advocacy strategy
  • Month 3–5: Implementation of a change initiative
  • Month 6: Showcase, reflection, and transition to alumni/mentor roles

The program uses a blended format (virtual + in-person sessions) and requires approximately 8–12 hours per month.

Who Should Apply

We are looking for women in STEM who:

Are willing to commit to a 6-month structured program

Are early-to-mid career professionals or researchers

Have completed (or are ready to build on) foundational career development

Demonstrate leadership potential and initiative

Are passionate about advancing gender equity in STEM

Application Process

Applicants will be required to:

  • Complete an online application form including
    • Responding to structured leadership and advocacy questions
    • Describing a proposed area of change or interest
    • Contact details of one referee (no letter required at this stage).

Shortlisted applicants may be invited for further review.

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: May 01, 2026
  • Programme Start: June 01, 2026
  • Duration: 6 months

How to Apply

APPLY HERE

*Send all enquiries to: [email protected]