Underrepresented Groups Leadership Program

The Underrepresented Groups Leadership Program is a new ARVO initiative to provide members-in-training and junior faculty from underrepresented backgrounds with access to mentorship and resources that will foster their leadership development within the field.

The program will be a highly interactive one-year learning experience. The curriculum includes live monthly video chats facilitated by guest speakers, including well-known leaders in the field, plus supplemental web-based written discussion. Topics will cover themes crucial to advancing as a leader, such as:

• Understanding underrepresentation: Available resources and challenges in individual countries
• Securing independent research funding; strategies and best practices
• Presenter skills for effective communication
• Science communications and advocacy
• Leadership qualities: Becoming a successful leader

One-on-one guidance from a mentor

Participants will meet monthly with their assigned mentors for individualized support during the program year.

2024 Program Timeline

Application opens Aug. 1, 2024
Application closes Sept. 30, 2024
First program cohort: Jan. – Dec. 2025

Who should apply to be a participant/mentee?

• • ARVO members-in training and junior faculty who have completed at least four years of post-doctoral fellowship or are within the first three years of their primary academic appointment.
    
    
  • Current ARVO members for at least one year at time of application, who will maintain active membership throughout the program.
    
    
  • Individuals who are eager and able to commit to active participation in the program via one or more frequent interactions with his or her assigned mentor per month and monthly webinar sessions with the program class.
    
    
  • Applicants will self-identify how they are underrepresented.

Who should apply to be a mentor?

• • ARVO members who are at mid- to senior-level in their career who want to help develop trainee and early career members by providing explicit and implicit lessons related to (non-scientific) career advice, general work-life balance, and guidance for actively engaging in ARVO and can commit to monthly (or more frequent) interactions with their assigned mentee.
    
    
  • Current ARVO members for at least five years at time of application who will maintain active membership throughout the program.
    
    
  • Mentors who complete the twelve-month program and follow-up survey receive one ARVO Fellows point.

Questions can be directed to: mentorship@arvo.org.