Hello all, Applications for the SPARC Open Education Leadership Program <https://sparcopen.org/our-work/open-education-leadership-program/> 2022-2023 cohort are now open! The SPARC Open Education Leadership Program is an intensive professional development program designed to empower academic professionals with the knowledge, skills, and connections to lead successful open education initiatives that benefit students. The program is open to all academic professionals with open education responsibilities—including instructional designers, project coordinators, and other related roles. We are excited to continue this program for a sixth cohort, and look forward to working with more exceptional open education advocates in the coming year. The deadline to complete the application form <https://sparcopen.org/our-work/open-education-leadership-program/#apply> is May 6th at 11:59pm EDT, and notifications will be delivered on or before May 20th. We are pleased to offer candidates from SPARC member institutions a subsidized tuition rate and tuition discounts by application. We will be hosting several information sessions over the course of the application period. Sessions will include a brief overview of the program followed by allocated time for individual Q&A. We will also be inviting program alumni to share their perspectives and experiences. Session dates/times are as follows, and interested applicants can register by clicking on the links below: Thursday April 14 at 3:00pm EDT <https://sparcopen-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwkc-Crrz0oG91jAGfTETJOmdT4LyY_eUwq> Wednesday April 20 at 2:00pm EDT <https://sparcopen-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvcuChqTwiE9CI8PqqvhDIOKndkdcaMFsB> Monday April 25 at 1:00pm EDT <https://sparcopen-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIkd-mrqj4rG9MndmqVKdfGHQcmpm_5SN46> Tuesday May 3 at 5:00pm EDT <https://sparcopen-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kfu6prz0rHNQLx1k2bIJhmPpizpKwyrFM> We've provided additional information on the program and how to apply <https://sparcopen.org/our-work/open-education-leadership-program/#apply> below, and there's also a comprehensive FAQ <https://sparcopen.org/our-work/open-education-leadership-program/faq/> on our website. For additional questions, please feel free to contact hailey(a)sparcopen.org. What is the Open Education Leadership Program? The SPARC Open Education Leadership Program is an intensive, two-semester professional development program to empower open education advocates with the knowledge, skills, and connections to lead successful open education initiatives that benefit students. - Participate in an intensive, semester-long online course during the fall to gain comprehensive knowledge of open education, stakeholder engagement, and how to design an initiative on campus. - Plan and execute a capstone project during the spring that has an impact on open education locally and that contributes back to the broader movement. - Develop a vibrant community of practice among a cohort of peers, and grow as a leader through mentorship support. - Attend the Open Education Conference <https://openeducationconference.org/> virtually, and receive additional guidance to make the most of the experience and networking. Who should apply? - Eligible candidates must be employed at a higher education institution, consortium or related organization in the U.S. or Canada, or at one of SPARC’s international members. Candidates from SPARC member institutions will receive special consideration and a tuition discount. - The program is open to all academic professionals with open education-related responsibilities, including library professionals, instructional designers, project coordinators and related roles. Student leaders are also welcome to apply. - Candidates should be prepared for a significant time commitment (6-8 hours per week for online coursework in the fall, average 5 hours per week for capstone work in the spring) and have the support of their institution and/or supervisor to participate. Tuition Tuition is inclusive of both semesters, and covers all costs except attendance at the Open Education Conference (virtual). Institutions are expected to sponsor tuition on behalf of the accepted applicant, and will be asked to sign a standard enrollment agreement. SPARC Member Rate: $1,995 USD / $2,495 CAD Non-Member Rate: $2,995 USD or $3,995 CAD SPARC recognizes that all institutions are facing budget pressures due to COVID-19 and has worked to reduce costs as much as possible. The 2022-23 tuition rates reflect a more than 20% discount over pre-COVID rates. Tuition discount SPARC offers tuition discounts to support the participation of candidates who would increase the diversity of the cohort. Candidates eligible to apply for tuition discounts include: - Candidates who self-identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous or People of Color) - Candidates employed by community colleges - Candidates employed by minority-serving institutions - Candidates for whom the cost of tuition would be a barrier How to apply? - The full program details and the application form are available on our website. <https://sparcopen.org/our-work/open-education-leadership-program/#apply> - The application deadline is May 6th at 11:59pm EDT. Applications received by this date will be notified by May 20th. - More information is available in our FAQ <https://sparcopen.org/our-work/open-education-leadership-program/faq/> . -- *Hailey Babb* Open Education Project Manager SPARC <http://sparcopen.org>