What is the Early Career Leadership Academy?

The American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) Early Career Leadership Academy (ECLA) aims to build and sustain a diverse network of early career leaders in weather, water, and climate science.  Each year, ECLA brings together a group of early career individuals for an immersive experience focused on developing leadership skills, such as creative problem-solving, conflict resolution, building trust, and communication skills. We seek early career individuals from a wide range of professions, interests, perspectives, cultures, and experiences. Women and individuals from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

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Who is Eligible to Apply?

AMS defines early career scientists as follows:

Early career is nominally taken to include scientists who are within 10 years of having earned their highest graduate degree or within 15 years of having earned their baccalaureate, whichever is greater. Consideration will also be given, however, to those who are still in the early stages of their careers but have seen a career break for up to 5–10 years because of  family leave, military service, and the like.

Each year, the AMS selects a small group of early career professionals to participate in the Academy. All eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Qualify as “early career” as defined by the AMS.
• Work in the weather, water, or climate science enterprise, including education and policy.
• You do not need to be an AMS member to apply.

In the application process, candidates must provide their own work and may not receive assistance from others. You are not permitted to use any form of artificial intelligence when formulating answers to the questions. All written answers should be in your own words. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in any manner is prohibited.

What Should the Participants Expect?

ECLA is an invigorating professional development experience built around emerging trends in weather, water, and climate science enterprise that will shape the future of professions. Topics that will be covered include workplace issues, crisis management, building trust, conflict resolution, communication, key societal trends, and creating psychological safety on your teams. Participants will take a leadership assessment to identify their unique strengths and construct their own personal leadership style.

Participants will develop new analytical lenses, systems-thinking skills, and skills to deal with differences and diversity when making decisions that affect weather, water, and climate.

After graduation, participants will:

• benefit from expanded knowledge
• enjoy a high-quality network of peers and mentors
• clarify how they and their organizations will drive change

ECLA 2026 Schedule

The Early Career Leadership Academy has an Orientation Webinar, five online Leadership Webinars, a two and a half day in-person meeting, and 4 peer mentoring calls. Accepted participants are required to attend all online webinars, peer mentoring calls, and the in-person meeting. Before applying please confirm that you are able to attend all sessions. These webinars are mandatory in order to participate in the 2026 ECLA.

The 2026 Early Career Leadership Academy will take place 3-5 August in Madison, Wisconsin as part of the AMS Madison Summit.

Tuesday, 20 January 2026 ECLA Application Opens  Tuesday, 10 February 2026 11:59 pm PT ECLA Application Deadline Friday, 27 February 2026 2026 ECLA Class Chosen Friday, 13 March 2026 2026 ECLA Acceptance Wednesday, 15 April 2026 2:00–3:00 pm ET Orientation Webinar (60 minutes) Wednesday, 13 May 2026 2:00–3:30 pm ET Leadership Webinar #1 (90 minutes) Wednesday, 3 June 2026 2:00–3:30 pm ET Leadership Webinar #2 (90 minutes) Wednesday, 17 June 2026 2:00–3:30 pm ET Leadership Webinar #3 (90 minutes) Wednesday 8 July 2026 2:00–4:00 pm ET Leadership Webinar #4 (2 hours) Monday–Wednesday, 3–5 August 2026 In-Person Meeting (Madison, WI) Peer Mentoring Calls Scheduled by Peer Mentoring Groups Monthly starting in late April

All webinars will take place virtually on Zoom and start at 2:00 pm ET.  The orientation webinar is 60 minutes, the first three leadership webinars are 90 minutes, and the fourth leadership webinar is two hours. Monthly peer mentoring calls will take place in small groups in April, May, June, and July. The days and times of the peer mentoring calls are coordinated to meet the needs of each peer mentoring group.

ECLA 2026 Participant Costs

We realize that early career professionals may have limited support for professional development, so the AMS strives to limit the costs of the program. 

• There is a registration fee of $175.  
• Participants are responsible for funding their travel to the in-person meeting. We encourage participants to ask their manager/organization about resources that can support the costs of ECLA. If you’ve never asked for professional development funds, this article from the Wharton School of Business has tips on how to ask for support. 
• AMS has a limited number of partial travel scholarships and registration fee waivers for participants with the greatest financial need. We ask about financial need on the ECLA Application.
• For participants who are faculty at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) or Emerging Research Institutions (ERIs), AMS offers a Faculty Travel Grant through funding from the National Science Foundation. If you are accepted to participate in ECLA 2026 and are faculty at an MSI or ERI, please apply for the Faculty Travel Grant here. Questions about the Faculty Travel Grant Program should be directed to Stephanie Armstrong, AMS Associate Executive Director at [email protected].

Logistics & Travel to Madison for 2026

• ECLA 2026 will be held at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center located at 1 John Nolen Dr, Madison, WI.
• AMS will reserve a block of hotel rooms close to the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center at a reduced rate. We will share hotel booking information once applicants have been accepted to the program.
• We will be providing 2 meals during the in-person meeting as well as coffee and snacks during the morning and afternoon. All other meals are the responsibility of participants.
• Questions about logistics and travel should be directed to Gideon Alegado, AMS Community Engagement and Outreach Manager at [email protected]

 

If you have any questions about the Early Career Leadership Academy, please contact:

• Justin Pullen (Professional Affairs Commissioner)
• Liz Gilden (Planning Committee Chair)
• Alex Morrison  (Outgoing Chair) 
• Marcus Williams (Incoming Chair)