CASFAA Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) 2026

You are invited to join CASFAA’s Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA), a premier professional development program designed to prepare the next generation of financial aid leaders across California. The 2026 Academy will be held August 3–7, 2026, at the University of San Diego.

ELA 2026 comes at a pivotal time for the financial aid profession. With the implementation of the 2026–27 FAFSA and significant federal policy changes resulting from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), financial aid administrators must be prepared to navigate an increasingly complex regulatory and operational environment. This program is designed to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to lead effectively through this period of transformation.

The Emerging Leaders Academy provides a comprehensive training experience for early-career and aspiring leaders within financial aid offices. The curriculum integrates knowledge of federal and state policies with leadership development and practical application. It encompasses a broad range of essential skills and knowledge areas necessary for success in these roles.

Program Overview

Topics include:

Federal Financial Aid Administration: Administrative capability, audits, program reviews, and FISAP reporting
Policy in Practice: Implementation of FAFSA changes and OBBBA-related updates
California State Landscape: State aid programs, budget considerations, and legislative environment
Leadership Development: Communication, conflict management, and leading through change
Professional Effectiveness: Time management, career development, and workplace dynamics

Learning Experience

ELA 2026 emphasizes an interactive and applied learning model to ensure participants can translate knowledge into practice.

NASFAA U Modules: Participants will complete select NASFAA U coursework aligned with current policy changes
Experiential Learning: Sessions include presentations, case studies, exercises, and facilitated discussions
Expert Instructors: Content is delivered by experienced practitioners and subject matter experts from across the field
Peer Collaboration: Participants will engage in networking and collaborative problem-solving with colleagues statewide
Practical Application: Focus on real-world scenarios, including communication strategies, compliance challenges, and leadership decision-making

Professional & Personal Development

ELA takes a holistic approach to leadership development by supporting both professional growth and personal effectiveness.

Build self-awareness and leadership identity
Strengthen communication and relationship-building skills
Develop strategies for managing conflict and organizational change
Navigate workplace dynamics, including cross-functional collaboration and generational differences
Establish goals that support long-term career advancement and work-life harmony

Who Should Attend

ELA 2026 is designed for:

Financial aid professionals with approximately 1–7 years of experience
Staff preparing for or recently entering supervisory, compliance, or leadership roles
Professionals across CCC, CSU, UC, independent, and proprietary institutions

Overall, this program is designed to empower participants with the tools and knowledge needed to excel as leaders in the dynamic environment of higher education, particularly within financial aid departments.

Get Involved

As we prepare for the 2026 Academy, CASFAA invites you to share your interest and help shape the program’s content.

Complete the Interest Survey: Apply Now

Cost, including lodging, meals, and training for residential students:

$950 -CASFAA members
$1,050 - non-members

Cost, including meals and training for commuter students: