2026 ADvancing States Next Generation HCBS Leaders Program Application

ADvancing States Next Gen HCBS Leaders Program Application

Develop your skills. Grow your network. Lead the future of HCBS.
Join a national network of rising stars in aging, disability, and Medicaid services

ADvancing States is pleased to accept applications for the 2026 cohort of the Next Gen HCBS Leaders program (Next Gen).

Benefits of the Next Gen program include:
- Networking opportunities through a national peer network
- Expert mentorship
- Full scholarships to the 2026 ADvancing States Spring Meeting and the 2026 HCBS Conference
- Exclusive learning opportunities
- A scholarship to participate in the Foundational Leadership in HCBS training program, offered in partnership with the Gillings School of Global Public Health through the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Additional details about this opportunity are available on the UNC website.
Next Gen applicants can be current staff members of state/territory Aging and Disability agencies or Medicaid agencies.

We encourage mid-level professionals aiming for senior leadership positions in LTSS and HCBS programs currently working in state/territory government to apply.

Learn more about the Next Gen HCBS Leaders program and view a calendar of 2026 events here.

To apply, please complete the following fields, including to provide a letter of support from your supervisor. Email Annie Kimbrel at akimbrel@advancingstates.org with any questions.

The deadline to apply is Friday, January 23, 2026.

Next Gen is sponsored in part thanks to the generous support of:
Name*

First NameLast Name
Which state/territory agency do you work for? *
What is your job title?*
How long have you been in your current role?*
How long have you worked for a state/territory agency?*
Please list any previous roles working for a state/territory Aging, Disability, or Medicaid agency: *
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Work Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Describe briefly what you do in your current role. *
Describe your career goals. *
Describe your top 3 goals for what you hope to gain from the Next Gen HCBS program.*
Describe what you most hope to gain through the mentorship component of the Next Gen program (information will be used to pair selected applicants with mentors). *
Please provide a short bio (approximately 200 words).*
Please upload a letter of support from your supervisor.*

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Please affirm the following statements by checking the boxes below:*

I am available to travel to Minneapolis, MN to attend the ADvancing States Spring Meeting April 26 - April 30, 2026. All expenses for this meeting are paid for by ADvancing States and the Next Gen Sponsors.I am available to travel to Baltimore, MD to attend the HCBS Conference August 23 - 27, 2026. All expenses for this conference are paid for by ADvancing States and the Next Gen Sponsors.If selected for the Next Gen program, I am committed to participating in the Foundational Leadership in HCBS training program, an asynchronous online learning opportunity requiring approximately two hours per week of study, starting in the fall of 2026. Next Gen leaders receive scholarships to participate in this program.I am committed to participating in regular mentorship sessions once I have been paired with a mentor from the ADvancing States Board of Directors, Alumni Leadership Network, or who is an LTSS Director.
Please note any comments regarding the previous statements and/or your application (optional):
How did you learn about the Next Gen program?*
Signature*

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Optional: Please upload a headshot or recent photo. *Note: headshots are optional during the application process but will be requested from applicants who are selected, to be used in the 2026 Next Gen HCBS Leaders Directory.

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ADvancing States Next Gen HCBS Leaders Program Application