Hosted by NFBPA
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The National Forum for Black Public Administrators is committed to developing the next generation of leaders for senior management roles in the public sector. At the heart of this mission is a strong belief in the power of mentorship recognized as a key driver behind the success of many accomplished executives across both public and private sectors. Since its launch in 1987, the NFBPA Mentor Program has served as a transformative experience for emerging public administrators. Over the course of eight months, participants engage in dynamic workshops designed to strengthen leadership and professional skills, while also benefiting from meaningful, one-on-one connections with seasoned mentors. Through both structured learning and informal engagement, the program creates pathways for growth, expands professional networks, and empowers participants to step confidently into leadership roles.
MENTOR BENEFITS
One-on-one access and interaction with a experienced local government executive.
Foster strong and professional and personal relationships with cohort.
Development of a personalized strategic career plan.
Heightened awareness of career paths within the public sector.
National network of professionals from across the country.
APPLICANTS
The NFBPA Mentor Program is designed to identify aspiring public managers who show great promise of achieving executive positions in public service. During the course of the program, participants (protégés) will be paired one-on-one with an experienced mentor from NFBPA’s pool of highly successful public servants eager to share their experience, insight, and wisdom with younger, career-minded professionals.
The ideal protégé should possess the following:
Bachelor’s Degree (required)
Demonstrated participation and involvement in community, civic, professional and social activities
Minimum two years professional work experience
Interest in and commitment to achieving an executive position in public or not-for-profit
sectors
The Program is open to everyone, if you are not currently a member of NFBPA, we invite you to join.
*All participants must agree to follow all Health and Wellness Guidelines during any in-person sessions. NFPBA will follow applicable federal, state and local laws, adapting program plans accordingly and share updates.
COST
The Mentor Program tuition is $2,500 and partially subsidizes costs associated with lodging, programming and group meals. The program fee does not include membership or registration at NFBPA’s annual conference (FORUM). Travel expenses associated with the Fall Mentor Session, Winter Shadowing Experience, and attendance to FORUM are also not included in the program fee.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
June 15, 2026 Application Deadline
June - July 2026 Candidates Notified
September 16-19, 2026 In-Person Program Kick-Off Session in Washington, DC
Late Fall Mentor Match and Networking
October-April 2027 Monthly Virtual Check-Ins / Job Shadow Experience
April 21-25, 2027 Annual Conference (FORUM), Seattle, WA
April 2027 Final Presentations and Graduation
Click → Here ← For more information and to apply.