°®¶¹´«Ã½

Why should I apply for the MicroBio-LEAP ToL Scholars Program?

ASM is committed to fostering progress and impact while emodying access and accountability in the microbial sciences and broader STEM community. The Training-of-Leaders Scholars Program presents microbiology leadership with an opportunity to contribute to this impact by learning the skills necessary to create sustainable cultural change within their circles of influence. Existing ASM efforts and programs focus on supporting all individuals, but to promote the cultural paradigm shift across the STEM community, participation is needed from the leaders who can directly influence policies and practices that define their workplace or organization’s culture. We appreciate you considering participanting in the effort to cultivate sustained positive impact in STEM.

How do I apply for the MicroBio-LEAP ToL Scholars Program?

The inaugural design phase of the MicroBio-LEAP Project concluded at the end of 2024. Please monitor the MicroBio-LEAP webpage for updates on the next application cycle.

Do you have to be an ASM member to apply for the MicroBio-LEAP ToL Scholars Program?

You must be a member of ASM or to be eligible. Not yet a member? Consider becoming a member of ASM today!

How long is the MicroBio-LEAP ToL Scholars Program?

The 2024 program consisted of 17 sessions. ToL scholars will met approximately every 2 weeks, over a 10-month period. During the program, participants attended an in-person summit immediately before ASM Microbe 2024. The ToL Scholars Scholars Program is longer in duration than other programs, and this is intentional. A recent  and evaluation of training programs found that lengthier trainings have greater positive impacts on participants. Accordingly, scholars received a small stipend for their participation and engagement in the program, which was dispersed throughout the program, along with financial support to travel to the in-person summit.

What is included in the ToL curriculum?

The curriculum consisted of the following 5 modules, taught through virtual lecture, small collaborative learning pods and large group reflection exercises:

• Connecting Unconscious Bias & °®¶¹´«Ã½.
• Psychological Safety.
• Empathic Leadership.
• Disruptive Cultural Curiosity.
• Sustainable Belonging.

Lectures were approximately 2-3 hours in length, and small learning pods and large group sessions were approximately 90 minutes in length.

In each module, scholars were offered the following opportunities:

• Engage in deep individual introspection.
• Participate in peer group exchanges.
• Apply knowledge and practice skills to ensure training goes beyond awareness to become action.

Where does the MicroBio-Leap ToL Scholars Program take place?

The 2024 program was hosted on ASM’s virtual learning platform. There was 1 in-person commitment planned for immediately before ASM Microbe 2024.

What sectors of the microbial sciences can participate in the ToL Scholars Program?

All sectors of the microbial sciences are encouraged to apply. Sectors include, but are not limited to, higher education, professional organizations, nonprofits, government and industry.

What positions are included in the category of “leader?"

Leadership positions include, but are not limited to:

• Managers.
• Supervisors.
• Editors and/or reviewers for journals.
• Conference planners and/or organizers.
• Members of professional committees, subcommittees, working groups, task forces.
• Members of advocacy groups, including groups within academia. 
• Entrepreneurs/business owners.
• Mentors.
• Executives.
• Directors.
• Chairs.
• Individuals working to advance change in microbiology. 

Return to MicroBio-LEAP Program Page