Diversity Leadership Program
NASFAA's award-winning Diversity Leadership Program (DLP) provides participants with a robust portfolio of benefits, mentorship, and guidance on how to develop as a financial aid association leader at the state, regional, and national level. Applications are peer-reviewed, and six financial aid professionals, one from each region, are selected by a group of their colleagues.
The program, unveiled in 2018, was developed through extensive conversations with NASFAA's Diversity Officer, the NASFAA Board of Directors, and regional association leaders.
NASFAA is proud to announce the 2025-26 Diversity Leadership Program Class.
For more information on the DLP, watch our free webinar recording: What is the DLP? An Overview of NASFAA's Diversity Leadership Program
Program Goals
The Diversity Leadership Program aligns with NASFAA's commitment to diversity and inclusion and seeks to:
- Advance the careers of program participants and provide them with important professional development.
- Help NASFAA and the six regional associations develop a "deep bench" of talented, motivated leaders from marginalized and underrepresented groups.
- Provide individuals from under-represented groups in the association community with support, access, and opportunities for leadership.
Program Benefits
If accepted, DLP participants typically receive the following benefits:
- Complimentary registration for the NASFAA National Conference (plus reimbursable expenses for travel, lodging, and meals), including an invitation to observe a NASFAA Board of Directors' Meeting;
- Complimentary registration for the NASFAA Leadership & Legislative Conference & Expo (plus reimbursable expenses for travel, lodging, and meals);
- One free NASFAA U online course, plus the associated credential test, to ideally be used within the DLP program year;
- A one-time fee waiver (application and examination fees) for program participants who are qualified to sit for the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. The exam must be taken within one year of acceptance to DLP. Passing the exam confers the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program designation upon the individual, until such time as recertification is required. The NASFAA Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program Exam Preparation Guide is also provided;
- Assigned a seasoned professional mentor who has had significant NASFAA volunteer experience; this will involve regular mentorship calls;
- Support in identifying and connecting with NASFAA, regional, or state committees, working groups, or task forces, to foster a meaningful volunteer experience; and
- An all expense paid trip to Washington D.C. at the end of the program year (fall) to participate in the legislative process by attending NASFAA's Advocacy Pipeline program.
DLP cohort members who are not eligible for the FAAC® exam or certification may request a one-time fee waiver to take up to seven credential exams, with self-study guides provided. All exams must be completed within the cohort year.
Meet last year's DLP class, and see what previous participants said they gained from the program during their term.