This is the open-application way into EDGE. Six months of 1:1 mentorship (April pairing reveal → late September capstone), workshops with the group, and graduation at National Convention in October. Once you're in, you're in for life.
Any AREAA member can apply. When we read applications, we pay attention to leadership signals — chapter board service, time in other AREAA programs, where you're heading — but the door is open.
Applications open mid-January, close mid-February. Web form via Paperform — short questions, a video intro, references.
If we want to talk to you, we'll book a video interview in early March. About 10–15 minutes, 2–4 core questions, with a small team from the committee.
Mentors watch your interview video and rank their picks. We run the math and reveal pairings live in early April.
April through October: monthly meetings with your mentor, workshops with the group, capstone prep. Graduation and recognition at National Convention.
2–4 hours a month with your mentor (1:1 plus the occasional group session, depending on how your mentor likes to run it).
Plus workshops — 3–5 of them through the year (Negotiation 101, Negotiation 2.0, Public Speaking, Leadership + Succession, etc.). Most run 2–4 hours.
Plus capstone prep — real time in Q3 to build your 5–7 minute presentation, 1-minute video, and 200-word thesis.
By the end of the year, every mentee turns in:
Paperform link goes live mid-January.
Hard deadline — we don't accept late submissions.
About three days of video interviews via SignupGenius. 10–15 minute slots.
Live event — we announce who your mentor is. Your year starts.
Monthly meetings with your mentor + workshops + capstone prep.
5–7 minute presentations + video testimonial + thesis. Voting follows.
Recognition at National Convention. You're alumni now.
The link goes live then. Meanwhile, read the program details or the FAQ.