We've Got the Answers to Your Questions

The application for the Fall 2023 cohort of the Indigenous Leadership Academy (ILA) will open on July 3, 2023. Follow along for upcoming blogs, posts and everything else ILA at the American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI). 

This blog is dedicated to questions that you may have about applying to the ILA. If you are an Indigenous person who wants to be a contributor to your community you should apply to this academy!

When does the application open?

The application will open on July 3, 2023. You can apply here

When does the application close?

The application will close on August 4, 2023 at 11:59 pm, so be sure to get your application in as soon as possible.

Who Can Apply?

Anyone who lives in the United States and meets the eligibility criteria listed on the application is welcome to apply. Arizona residents will comprise 50% of the accepted participants. 

How much does it cost?

The cost for the 10 module program is $1650. Scholarships are available and you are automatically considered for a scholarship upon application to ILA. I tell people to please not let the cost be a deterrent. 

What do I need to complete the application?

If you’re thinking about applying for the ILA you should update your resume. The climax is to lay the groundwork for a project that you can implement in your community, so have a project in mind because this will be the foundation for all the lessons across the 10 weeks. We want to assess your strengths as a leader so think about other leadership programs you may have participated in. 

Why do I need to have a LinkedIn profile?

You gain a network of over 65 ILA alumni! A LinkedIn profile helps us to see who you are and the work you do in your community; it also creates a wonderful space for you to grow your network. I should note, signing up and using LinkedIn is free of charge. If you would like to use LinkedIn Premium, there is a fee. Don’t have a LinkedIn account? Sign up here.

How is the cohort run?

The cohort will be taught exclusively on Zoom with class materials and participation on Canvas. The first module and the tenth modules are on a Saturday and are about six hours in length.The middle two through nine modules are held for one evening a week for three hours. We utilize Canvas and there is about 1.5 hours worth of reading each week. During the modules, we have guest speakers, and professionals on that module's topic. The guest speakers are such a great way to give life and context to each module. You will be given the steps to plan out a project of your choosing that will benefit your community in some way. 

What will I learn about?

Module 1: Indigenous Leadership Practices

Module 2: Understanding Political and Economic Contexts in Indian Country

Module 3: Research, Data, and Indigenous Knowledge

Module 4: Innovation and Sustainable Enterprise-Building

Module 5: Response and Responsibility

Module 6: Communicating Your Story and Exhibiting Professional Etiquette

Module 7: Building Relationships and Growing Your Network

Module 8: Bridging Differences and Fostering Consensus

Module 9: Community-Centered Management Practices

Module 10: Developing Leadership Capacity and Looking to the Future

How can I use the tools learned to use in my everyday life? 

There are professional tips provided throughout the course you can use in your everyday life. In fact, the lessons taught in ILA do not have to be utilized strictly in your professional life. You can use these personally when making decisions or setting goals. Leaders in a community are not just elected officials. Leaders come in many forms and capacities, in every group. Community and professional relationships are closely linked for Indigenous communities and the ILA really brings both perspectives together.

What kind of people am I going to be meeting?

There are people from all walks of life in the cohort. They all share the common goal of wanting to create something meaningful for their community. I enjoyed seeing how close they all become throughout the cohort and how much they continue to grow as leaders since completing the academy. 

What is the expected outcome of being a part of ILA?

A new network of people who have like minded ambitions and goals for their community. These people can provide opportunities or just a sounding board for your projects as well as valuable insight. Upon completion, you will receive a digital certificate through Arizona State University.