Emerging Leaders Application

FPSA Emerging Leaders Application
The Food Production Solutions Association (FPSA) invites you to apply for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Program. This 6-month hybrid leadership development experience is built for future leaders in the food production industry who are ready to step into — or grow within — a management role. Our cohort is limited to 15 participants, selected through a competitive review process.

All applications are reviewed on the same criteria: leadership potential, readiness for growth, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to the cohort. Scholarship consideration is handled separately and has no bearing on admissions decisions.

Eligibility Requirements

•     Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the food production industry

•     Currently aspiring to transition into a management role, OR currently in a people management role within your first two years

•     Organizational support for participation, including schedule flexibility to attend both in-person events and all virtual sessions (financial sponsorship is not required — scholarships are available)

Applications that do not meet all eligibility requirements will not be considered.
How to Apply

Please complete all sections of this application thoroughly and honestly. Incomplete applications will not be considered. This application must be submitted with a required letter of recommendation from your direct supervisor or a senior leader within your organization (HR director, VP, or CEO). The letter should speak to:

• Your organization’s support for your participation, including schedule flexibility for both in-person events and virtual sessions

• Their perspective on your leadership potential and readiness for this program

Section 1: Applicant Information
Applicants Name*

First NameNickname (If different)Last Name
Birth Date

MonthDayYear
Applicant E-mail*
example@example.com
Mobile Number*
LinkedIn Profile
Section 2: Organizational Information
Company*
Title *
Number of Staff at Your Organization*
Is your company an FPSA Member?*

YesNoUnsure
Company Type*
Annual Revenue (approximate range acceptable)

Section 3: Professional Background
How long have you been at your current organization? *
Total years of experience in the food production industry*
Current Management Status (select one)*

I do not currently manage staff but am seeking to transition into a management roleI am a new people manager (managing direct reports for 2 years or less)I have been managing people for more than 2 years
If you currently manage staff, how many direct reports do you have?
If you currently manage staff, how long have you been in a management role?
Highest level of education completed
Relevant certifications or specialized training

Section 4: Leadership Goals & Development
Please describe your leadership goals and career trajectory within the food production industry. If you are not yet in a management role, describe your path toward management. If you are a new manager, describe your transition into leadership and where you hope to grow. *

0/300
Why are you interested in participating in the FPSA Emerging Leaders Program? What do you hope to gain from this experience?*

0/300
What specific leadership challenges are you currently facing or anticipating as you transition into or grow in a management role?*

0/200
How do you plan to apply what you learn in this program in your organization?*

0/200
What unique perspectives, experiences, or skills would you contribute to the cohort?*

0/200
Section 5: Professional Development History
Please list any leadership development programs, professional training, or industry conferences you have participated in during the past three years:

Section 6: Program Commitment
The FPSA Emerging Leaders Program requires active participation in all components. Please confirm you are able to commit to the following:
- Pre-Launch Intro Session - May 18, Noon - 1 PM EDT
- Two In-Person Leadership Retreats
  - June 15–16, 2026, Chicago, IL
  - November 4-6, 2026 - Lexington, KY (includes Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab)
- Two virtual workshops (via Teams)
  - July 30, Noon - 2 PM EDT
  - September 10, Noon - 2 PM EDT
- Three individual virtual coaching sessions (1 hr. For each session, choose one of the two dates)
  - Group Coaching Session 1: June 30 or July 2, Noon - 1 PM EDT
  - Group Coaching Session 2: August 11 or August 13, Noon - 1 PM EDT
  - Group Coaching Session 3: September 22 or September 24, Noon - PM EDT
- Individual and group assignments between sessions
- Active participation in the FPSA Connect online community throughout the program
By signing below, I confirm that:
- I am committed to attending and actively participating in all required program components
- I have discussed this opportunity with my supervisor and have their full support, as evidenced by the required letter of recommendation
- All information provided in this application is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge
Signature*
Upload letter of recommendation from direct supervisor or senior leader within your organization (HR director, VP, or CEO)*

This letter should speak to your organizations support for your participation, including schedule flexibility both for in-person events and virtual sessions via Teams. Their perspective on your leadership potential and readiness for this program.
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Optional: Scholarship Consideration
FPSA is committed to ensuring this program is accessible to high-potential professionals across organizations of all sizes. Five full scholarships are available for the 2026 cohort, funded through the FPSA Foundation. Scholarships are awarded to admitted program participants — scholarship consideration plays no role in the admissions review.

Please note: active FPSA organizational membership is required to be eligible for scholarship funding.

Each scholarship covers:
- Full program tuition ($3,200 for FPSA members)
- Up to $1,400 in flight reimbursement ($700 per in-person event)
- Hotel accommodations for the Chicago kickoff (2 nights, valued at $600)
- Hotel accommodations for the Lexington closing summit (3 nights, valued at $900 )
- Cultivate: Leadership Growth Lab conference registration (November 5-6, 2026, Lexington, KY, valued at $995)
Note: Incidentals, meals outside of what is provided, and additional hotel nights are not covered.

This section is entirely optional. Completing or skipping it will not affect your admissions review. The scholarship committee reviews this section separately, only after cohort selection is complete.

If financial support would make your participation significantly more feasible — whether due to company size, limited professional development budget, or other circumstances — we encourage you to apply. Scholarships are not reserved for any one type of candidate; they are designed to expand access for high-potential professionals who might not otherwise be able to participate.
Scholarship Interest

Yes, I would like to be considered for a scholarshipNo, I do not need scholarship assistance at this time
Scholarship Essay

if you selected yes above, please respond to the following:
Please describe how a scholarship would support your participation in this program. You might address your organizations capacity to fund professional development, what financial support would make possible for you, and any other context that would help the scholarship committee understand your situation.

0/200
Is there anything else you'd like the scholarship committee to know as they consider your request?

0/150
Scholarship Acknowledgement:
By completing this section, I confirm that:
- The information I have provided in this scholarship section is accurate and complete.
- I understand that scholarship funds will be provided as reimbursement for approved expenses and will not be distributed as direct payments.
- I understand that scholarship decisions are made separately from and after admission decisions.
Signature
Should be Empty:

FPSA Emerging Leaders Application

Section 1: Applicant Information

Section 2: Organizational Information

Section 3: Professional Background

Section 4: Leadership Goals & Development

Section 5: Professional Development History

Section 6: Program Commitment

Optional: Scholarship Consideration

Scholarship Essay