Developing Leaders Pipeline
NASFAA's award-winning Developing Leaders Pipeline (DLP) program, established in 2018, provides professional development opportunities for NASFAA's next generation of leaders across the country. The program provides participants with a robust portfolio of benefits, mentorship, and guidance to develop as financial aid association leaders at the state, regional, and national levels. Applications are peer-reviewed, and six financial aid professionals, one from each region, are selected by their colleagues.
Applications for the 2026-27 DLP Class are now open. Apply online by September 30, 2026.
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Program Goals
The Developing Leaders Pipeline seeks to:
- Advance the careers of program participants and provide them with important professional development.
- Help NASFAA and the six regional associations develop a "deep bench" of talented, motivated leaders.
- Provide individuals who demonstrate a commitment to and/or potential for leadership within the organizations or their members schools with support, access, and opportunities for leadership that they might not otherwise have
Program Benefits
If accepted, DLP participants typically receive the following benefits:
- Complimentary registration for the NASFAA National Conference (plus reimbursable expenses for travel, lodging, and meals), including an invitation to observe a NASFAA Board of Directors' Meeting;
- Complimentary registration for the NASFAA Leadership & Legislative Conference & Expo (plus reimbursable expenses for travel, lodging, and meals);
- One free NASFAA U online course, plus the associated credential test, to ideally be used within the DLP program year;
- A one-time fee waiver (application and examination fees) for program participants who are qualified to sit for the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. The exam must be taken within one year of acceptance to DLP. Passing the exam confers the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program designation on the individual until recertification is required. The NASFAA Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program Exam Preparation Guide is also provided;
- Assigned a seasoned professional mentor who has had significant NASFAA volunteer experience; this will involve regular mentorship calls;
- Support in identifying and connecting with NASFAA, regional, or state committees, working groups, or task forces, to foster a meaningful volunteer experience; and
- An all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., at the end of the program year (fall) to participate in the legislative process by attending NASFAA's Advocacy Pipeline program.
DLP cohort members who are not eligible for the FAAC® exam or certification may request a one-time fee waiver to take up to seven credential exams, with Self-Study Guides provided. All exams must be completed within the cohort year.
Meet last year's DLP class, and see what previous participants said they gained from the program during their term.
Have a question about the DLP or feedback you’d like to share? Complete the questionnaire to submit questions, comments, or suggestions.
