2026 - 2027 Fellowship for Talent Development Application Open

Chambers of commerce are increasingly tasked to mobilize efforts to improve the cradle-to-career talent pipeline in their communities. The ACCE Foundation has opened the application for the 12th cohort of its Fellowship program to help chambers take the first step or deepen their impact in talent and workforce development.  

The Fellowship for Talent Development will help chamber professionals understand their local talent development ecosystem and how they can strengthen the talent pipeline through systems change and programmatic efforts. Fellows will then create a regional action plan that addresses a talent challenge in their community. Under the guidance of the Foundation, they will measure impact through qualitative and quantitative indicators. By the end of the program, Fellows will be better positioned to help their communities adapt to the new realities of work. 

The Fellowship runs from Sept. 2026 – March 2027. Fellows will: 

  • Participate in monthly webinars and check-ins. 
  • Create a roadmap to implement strategies that address a talent development challenge in the community. Watch previous regional action plans here on YouTube. 
  • Attend a convening in Arlington, Va. from Nov. 5 - 6. The Foundation will cover the cost of two nights at the convening hotel. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided. Fellows must cover travel expenses to and from Arlington.  

Applications are due Friday, July 24 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Applicants will be notified of their status by Friday, August 7 and are required to pay a $1,500 program deposit by Friday, August 21. Fellows who successfully complete the program will receive a $500 refund in March 2027. There is space in the application to indicate if a scholarship is needed to waive the full program deposit. Scholarship recipients must pay a $500 program deposit that will be refunded upon program completion in March 2027. 

Contact Rumsha at [email protected] with any questions.  

APPLY HERE 

Important Dates  

All times are in Eastern Time unless otherwise noted. 

  • July 24, 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time: Applications due 
  • Aug. 7: Foundation will notify applicants of their application status 
  • Sept. 8, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Kick Off and Systems Change in Talent Development webinar 
  • Oct. 6, 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Data and Talent Development webinar 
  • Nov. 5 – 6 Convening in Arlington, Va. The convening will start at 9 a.m. on Nov. 5 and end at 1 p.m. on Nov. 6. No evening activities are planned. 
  • Dec. 8, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.: Funding Talent Development Initiatives webinar 
  • Between Dec. 9 – Feb. 1, 2027: Fellows schedule one-on-one check-ins with Foundation staff to discuss draft regional goals and key performance indicators. 
  • Feb. 2, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.: Telling Your Talent Development Story webinar 
  • March 19, 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time: Regional Action Plan due 
  • March 23, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.: Graduation webinar 

2025 - 2026 Fellowship for Talent Development Completed

The ACCE Foundation is proud to announce the completion of the 11th cohort of its Fellowship program.

Watch Fellows' Regional Action Plans here on YouTube.

Program Overview

The ACCE Foundation's Fellowship program is designed for chamber professionals of any experience level or expertise seeking to create a measurable impact in their community. Fellows leave the program with a regional action plan to address a community-wide education and talent development challenge. Past fellowships focused on economic recovery, inclusive economic growth and economic mobility. 

The Fellowship program has served over 215 chamber professionals since it began in 2014. Fellowship alumni have went on to work in other chambers, economic development organizations, government agencies or nonprofits in adjacent fields.