NextGen Leader Application Guide

Deadline: Friday, December 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern

Follow these steps in order when preparing and completing your application. The program includes six months of virtual mentoring. You may also apply for the in-person NextGen Talent Accelerator in Denver, July 18-22, 2027.

1. Check Your Eligibility

• Be a current college, graduate, or law student, or have graduated in 2025 or later.
• Self-identify as a person with a disability and be located in North or South America.
• Have required work authorization and be able to communicate with your mentor in English or through an appropriate communication method.

2. Choose Your Application Path

• Virtual Mentoring only: complete the main application and skip the supplemental conference section.
• Virtual Mentoring plus Talent Accelerator: complete both the main application and supplemental conference section.
• Selection does not guarantee a preferred mentor, job offer, or conference
  attendance.

3. Gather Your Information

• Resume in .docx or .pdf format and your LinkedIn profile link.
• Contact information, time zone, school, degree, major, and graduation details.
• Employment history, industry interests, counselor details if applicable, and accommodation information.

4. Prepare Your Written Responses

• Explain your career goals, skills you want to build, and how mentoring or the conference will help.
• Two goals for joining the NextGen Leaders Program, at least 50 words.
• If applying for the Talent Accelerator: two conference goals, at least 150 words.

5. Complete the Main Application

• Answer every required question and upload your resume.
• Provide your LinkedIn profile and review the optional resume-sharing consent.
• Your resume-sharing choice does not affect application consideration or eligibility.

6. Complete the Talent Accelerator Section, if Applying

• Confirm full availability in Denver, July 18-22, 2027.
• Provide employment status, travel airports, dietary and hotel needs, accessibility requests, mobility equipment, and Personal Care Assistant information, as applicable.
• Agree to complete required preparation activities, assignments, and sessions.

7. Review and Submit

• Verify dates, links, email addresses, responses, and uploads.
• Read the acknowledgement and release language carefully.
• Save a copy if possible and submit before the deadline.
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Questions? Contact NextGen@disabilityin.org.
The online application is the official source for requirements and legal terms.