AFA Connect
AFA's Scott Van Cleef Emerging Leader Program
A year of mentoring and firsthand Association experience for volunteers preparing to lead AFA's field organization.
What participants do
The Scott Van Cleef Emerging Leader Program prepares AFA volunteers for larger Chapter, State, Region and national roles. AFA describes a year-long experience that gives participants a view of how the Association is governed. Its linked 2023 overview describes Board observation, field-leader discussions, a council or committee assignment, mentorship and participation around the National Convention. Those are descriptions of that dated overview, not a promise of the next cohort's exact schedule or reimbursement terms.
Who can be nominated?
AFA's current program page says Region Presidents nominate candidates from their regions and rank submissions for a Field Council subcommittee. Nominees should be active AFA members, committed volunteers with leadership potential, willing to take part in a year-long program and interested in continued AFA service. The 2023 overview describes two years of prior Chapter-or-higher leadership as guidance, while expressly allowing an otherwise strong candidate to be considered. It is not stated as an absolute eligibility bar on the live page.
How to start
Start with your AFA Region and local Chapter, then ask the Region President about the current nomination window and application instructions. AFA's live program page links an application PDF dated 2023; that form directs applicants through their Chapter and State presidents to their Region President. It requests personal information, so send it only through AFA's confirmed current process. AFA Connect does not collect applications or determine selection.
Which class is listed?
As of this review, AFA's program page labels its featured group 2025–2026 Emerging Leaders and separately lists earlier cohorts. That label is a dated roster, not proof that those people are the latest class for the next cycle. Use AFA's current program page or a newer official announcement to confirm any 2026–2027 roster. For other ways to participate locally, explore the Chapter directory, AFA events and our membership guide.
Sources and review date
Reviewed October 12, 2026 against AFA's live Emerging Leader Program page and an AFA-hosted April 2023 overview. AFA controls the nomination cycle, selection and participation terms. Check its current page and your Region President before relying on a date or submitting an application.