APTA Emerging Leaders Program Accepting Applications for 2026

APTA’s Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) is accepting applications through Jan. 31. The program promotes growth in leadership skills and expands understanding of the public transportation industry.

The Emerging Leaders Program Committee will select 35 individuals from APTA member organizations who represent the industry’s rich diversity to participate in the 10-month long program. The curriculum includes skill-building workshops, roundtable sessions, online collaboration, and unique access to the industry’s leaders.

The ELP provides public transportation professionals with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed for advancement. Participants learn from industry leaders while participating in a program that provides opportunities to interact with areas of the industry beyond their specialization. Most importantly, participants learn from a talented cohort of professionals, their classmates, who will become life-long colleagues and friends.

This program’s intended audience is professionals with approximately two to six years of industry work experience, including one to three years of managing tasks, projects, or staff. Each APTA member organization may submit one candidate.

Apply here.