The MPLD program with AdoptUSKids is an 18-month fellowship designed for emerging leaders in child welfare. There is no fee to participate.
Characteristics and qualifications of fellows
MPLD is open to child welfare professionals from cultural, ethnic, and racial groups who have historically comprised a disproportionate number of children and youth experiencing foster care or adoption. The program requires that you have worked in child welfare for five or more years and that you have earned an undergraduate degree.
Successful MPLD candidates will be
- promising leaders who have a reputation for intellect, thoughtfulness, and collaboration,
- comfortable interacting in virtual collaborative spaces, such as video conferencing and online courses,
- able to devote time away from home or work to fully participate in MPLD,
- committed to pursuing systemic change for children, youth, and families who are moving toward adoption, guardianship, or kinship or who have already achieved permanency,
- interested in advancing their knowledge of and skills regarding adoption, guardianship, and kinship,
- motivated to become transformational leaders,
- committed to personal growth and learning and being part of a community of evolving leaders,
- dedicated to being present for and engaged with all virtual and in-person meetings,
- committed to applying their acquired leadership skills into upon the fellowship’s completion, and
- willing to complete an action research project during the fellowship.
Application instructions
Applications for Cohort Eight open on January 31, 2025. Completed applications are due by midnight on March 31, 2025.
Step one—create and gather materials needed to apply
1. A current resume that includes:
- Education (listing degrees and dates awarded).
- Professional employment (listing dates and titles).
2. An essay that is up to two double-spaced pages and provides the following information:
- Overview of yourself and why you want to be a MPLD fellow.
- What you hope to gain from participating in the fellowship.
- An issue or challenge you would like to address with your action research project 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 (102 KB PDF).
3. Contact information for a supervisor who can recommend you for this program and speak about your leadership qualities.
4. A signed notification of application by your direct supervisor or agency administration. Download the notification of application (100 KB PDF).
Step two—complete our online application form and upload your materials
Before starting, please review the form and be sure that you have the information and materials you need to complete your application.
Apply now
Questions?
Please send us an email: mpld@adoptuskids.org.