2025 - 2026 Fellowship for Talent Development Completed

Chambers of commerce are increasingly tasked to mobilize efforts to improve the cradle-to-career talent pipeline in their communities. The ACCE Foundation is proud to announce the completion of the 11th cohort of its Fellowship program, which helps chambers take the first step or deepen their impact in workforce development.  

The Fellowship for Talent Development helps chamber professionals understand their local talent development ecosystem and how they can strengthen the talent pipeline through systems change and programmatic efforts. Fellows created a regional action plan to address a talent challenge in their community. Under the guidance of the ACCE Foundation, they measured impact through qualitative and quantitative indicators. By the end of the six-month program, cohort-completing Fellows are better positioned to support communities adapting to the new realities of work.  

The Fellowship ran from Sept. 2025 – March 2026.

The Fellows: 

  • Participated in monthly webinars and check-ins. 
  • Created a roadmap to implement strategies that address a talent development challenge in the community. Read about past plans in this Chamber Executive article or watch videos here on YouTube. 
  • Attended a convening in Alexandria, Va. from Nov. 13 -14. The ACCE Foundation will cover the cost of two nights at the convening hotel. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided. 

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 216 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. 

COMING SOON: The next Fellowship for Talent Development application opens in June 2026. The Fellowship program lasts from Sept. 2026 - April 2027.