Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the AMC Leaders Scholarship?

The AMC Leaders Scholarship is designed to support the association management company (AMC) community and workforce development by providing funding, professional connections, leadership coaching, and learning opportunities through ASAE programs and events.

2. What is the purpose of the scholarship?

The scholarship was created to strengthen the connection between AMCs and associations, support the growth of AMC professionals, and elevate association management companies as a rewarding career path within the association profession.

3. Who is eligible to apply?

The scholarship is intended for individuals in the AMC community, including:

  • Emerging AMCs in their first 1 to 5 years of operation or under new ownership
  • AMCs with a new or transitioning leader
  • Early-career professionals working at an AMC
  • First-time CEOs working at an AMC
  • Hybrid management leaders, including association CEOs partnering with an AMC or C-suite leaders engaged with AMC services

4. Do I need to be an ASAE member to apply?

No. Both ASAE members and non-members are eligible to apply.

5. How many scholarships are awarded each year?

Each year, up to three AMC professionals are selected to receive the scholarship.

6. What financial support does the scholarship provide?

Recipients receive up to $3,000 that may be used toward eligible expenses such as:

  • Registration fees
  • Travel expenses
  • Lodging expenses
  • Other approved professional development expenses related to the scholarship experience

7. Are membership benefits included?

Yes. Scholarship recipients who are not currently ASAE members will receive a complimentary ASAE membership as part of the scholarship benefit.

8. What professional development opportunities are included?

Scholarship recipients receive access to a variety of developmental experiences, including:

  • Participation in selected ASAE programs and events
  • One-on-one coaching sessions with industry leaders
  • Networking opportunities with association professionals
  • Educational experiences focused on leadership and professional growth

9. What coaching opportunities are available?

Recipients participate in individualized coaching sessions with industry leaders coordinated through ASAE's Association Business Solutions Inc. (ABSI) during the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition.

10. Is there a mentorship or shadowing component?

Yes. Scholarship recipients are provided a one-week shadowing opportunity with an AMC or association CEO/leadership team to learn about leadership practices, operations, and organizational strategy.

11. What are reviewers looking for in applicants?

Strong applicants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a formal AMC affiliation
  • Describe areas for professional growth
  • Clearly articulate the value of working for an AMC
  • Explain the benefits of AMC partnerships for associations
  • Demonstrate a commitment to professional development and leadership growth

12. Are scholarship recipients expected to participate in scholarship-related activities?

Yes. Recipients are expected to participate in structured outreach and promotional activities that help share the impact and value of the scholarship program.

13. When does the application period open?

Applications are scheduled to be accepted from September 8 through November 8.

14. What makes the AMC Leaders Scholarship unique?

Unlike many professional development scholarships, the AMC Leaders Scholarship combines:

  • Direct financial support
  • Executive coaching
  • Leadership shadowing experiences
  • Networking opportunities
  • Access to ASAE educational events
  • Exposure to industry leaders and peers within the AMC community

15. What can recipients expect to gain from the experience?

Recipients can expect to:

  • Expand their professional network
  • Strengthen leadership and management skills
  • Gain insights from experienced industry leaders
  • Increase their understanding of association and AMC operations
  • Enhance their ability to serve associations and their clients
  • Build a stronger pathway for career advancement within the association profession

16. Who established the scholarship?

The scholarship was developed through the vision and support of Lynda Bouchard Patterson, FASAE, CAE, a past ASAE Board Chair and founder of AMPED Association Management, with the goal of investing in the future of the AMC profession.

17. Why should I apply?

The AMC Leaders Scholarship provides a unique opportunity to receive funding, coaching, leadership exposure, and meaningful connections within the association industry, helping recipients accelerate their professional growth and increase their impact within the AMC community.

18. What is expected of scholarship recipients?

Recipients are expected to fully engage in the scholarship experience, including educational programming, coaching opportunities, networking activities, and scholarship outreach efforts designed to highlight the value and impact of the program.