Executive Leadership Academy

2026 ELA Sessions

We are excited to announce that two ELA programs will be offered in 2026. Participants may choose from one of the following sessions:
  • VIRTUAL Program | March 2-10, 2026 Monday - Friday Only | 9am - 12:15pm PT + two virtual social hours 4pm - 5pm PT
  • ONSITE Program | July 6-10, 2026 | 8:30am - 5pm PT + one dinner 5pm - 8pm PT

Apply for the Next Session
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A group of 17 people outside arranged in two rows, with three of the individuals sitting on a bench

2025 July ELA Cohort

A group of people in front of wood paneling, arranged in two rows

2025 March ELA Cohort

A group of 30 people are situated in three rows, with the front row of people sitting in chairs.

2024 ELA Cohort

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2023 August ELA Cohort

A Zoom screenshot of 21 people smiling

2023 July ELA Cohort

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2022 August ELA Cohort

2022 ELA July Cohort

2022 July ELA Cohort

2021 ELA at Shiv Nadar University Founding Fellow Cohort

Congratulations to the Founding Fellows of the ELA at Shiv Nadar University, India Program!

2021 ELA August Cohort

2021 August ELA Cohort

2021 ELA July Cohort

2021 July ELA Cohort

ABOUT ELA

The Executive Leadership Academy (ELA), founded by Josefina Castillo Baltodano in 2011, is designed to prepare college and university administrators from all backgrounds to advance into executive roles such as dean, vice president, provost, president, or chancellor. Through an intensive five-day training experience, guided by a distinguished faculty of over 20 senior-level higher education executives, ELA equips participants with the tools to lead inclusively, strategically, and effectively.

ELA fosters critical thinking, promotes servant leadership, advances executive skills, and strengthens strategic planning, cultivating the expertise needed to guide institutions through today’s complex and evolving higher education landscape. This foundation supports leaders in strengthening campus environments, responding to emerging challenges, and advancing institutional effectiveness.

The curriculum focuses on 26 core executive leadership skills and addresses pressing topics such as shifts in higher education and leadership, changing funding models, AI use in academia, risk management, fundraising, and governing board relations. By nurturing these leadership qualities, ELA empowers participants to transform higher education—championing innovation, excellence, and long-term sustainability.

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TUITION RATES

  • VIRTUAL March Program: $8,500 | Includes all program materials and a certificate of completion from UC Berkeley.
  • ONSITE July Program: $10,500 | Includes all program materials, daily breakfast and lunch (5 days), one reception, one dinner, and a certificate of completion from UC Berkeley.

DISCOUNTS & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

We are pleased to offer several ways to make the program more accessible for participants. Please note that discounts, scholarships, and fellowships may not be combined. Should a participant qualify for more than one, the highest-value option will be applied.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT

Register by the deadline and save 20%:

  • Virtual March Session: $1,700 off – tuition $6,800 (Deadline: January 1, 2026)
  • Onsite July Session: $2,100 off – tuition $8,400 (Deadline: May 1, 2026)

GROUP DISCOUNT

Institutions that register three or more participants are eligible for a 25% group discount

  • Virtual March Session: $2,125 off per person – tuition per participant: $6,375
  • Onsite July Session: $2,625 off per person – tuition per participant: $7,875

LODGING FELLOWSHIPS

A limited number of fellowships are available to cover five nights of lodging (valued at $1,400) for onsite participants demonstrating financial need.

  • ELA pays the hotel directly
  • Fellowships do not cover tuition or travel expenses
  • Awarded on a first-come, first-served basis

TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS

Participants not in need of lodging may be considered for a partial tuition scholarship valued at $1,400. A limited number of scholarships are available, so early application is encouraged. These are intended to increase accessibility for those with demonstrated financial need.

To apply for a Lodging Fellowship or Tuition Scholarship, please email a short statement (up to 300 words) explaining your financial need and why you should be considered, to Samantha Rushing at srushing849@berkeley.edu

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