How to apply to the APLD program
The AdoptUSKids Professional Leadership Development (APLD) program is a 12-month fellowship designed for emerging leaders in child welfare.
There is no fee to participate.
Applications for Cohort Nine will be open January 9 through April 3, 2026.
Characteristics and qualifications of fellows
APLD is open to emerging leaders who are interested in finding solutions by completing an action research project (ARP) for children who have the longest wait for adoption and guardianship. The program requires that you have worked in child welfare for five or more years and that you have earned an undergraduate degree.
Successful candidates will:
- Show leadership potential with a reputation for intellect, thoughtfulness, and collaboration
- Be comfortable learning and collaborating online, including video conferencing spaces and online courses
- Have the time to fully participate in the APLD program
- Want to improve systems for children, youth, and families involved in adoption, guardianship, or kinship or who have already achieved permanency
- Be eager to gain knowledge and skills regarding adoption, guardianship, and kinship
- Be motivated to become transformational leaders
- Be committed to growth, learning, and being part of a community of evolving leaders
- Be present for and engaged with all virtual and in-person meetings
- Attend two in-person meetings in Washington, DC (travel costs are covered by the program)
- Apply acquired leadership skills
- Complete an action research project (APR) during the fellowship, which will be presented to their agency leadership and at APLD graduation
Read more about action research projects (163 KB PDF).
Application instructions
Step one
Create and gather the following four materials for the application.
- Current resume that includes:
- Education (listing degrees and dates awarded)
- Professional employment (listing dates and titles)
- An essay that is up to two double-spaced pages and provides the following:
- Overview of yourself and why you want to be an APLD fellow
- What you hope to gain from participating in the fellowship
- An issue or challenge you would like to address with your research and why this is an important topic for your organization. You will work on this project throughout the fellowship; read the action research project description before completing this essay (163 KB PDF).
- Contact information for a direct manager or senior administrator who can recommend you for this program and speak to your leadership qualities.
- A signed notification of application by your direct supervisor/manager or agency administration. Download the notification of application (117 KB PDF).
Step two
Complete the application and upload your materials. Before starting, please review the form and ensure that you have the information and materials you need to complete your application.
Applications for Cohort Nine will be open January 9 through April 3, 2026.
Questions?
Please send us an email: apld@adoptuskids.org.