Emerging Leaders Society (ELS) Professional Development Grant Application

​The Emerging Leaders Society of the United Way of Broome County was established to support, develop, and expand the leadership and professional development of young professionals in Broome County and increase their involvement and engagement in the community.

United Way of Broome County understands that professional development opportunities are key to ensuring growth in building an individual’s skill set and knowledge base in their respective fields. They can expose young professionals to new ideas and opportunities.

Benefits of professional development include:

1. Professional development boosts confidence and credibility.
   Increasing professionals’ expertise through professional development will increase their confidence in their work. No one likes to think they’re missing important skills in their industry. Professional development courses, continuing education, and training opportunities allow professionals to build confidence and credibility as they acquire new skill sets and professional designations.
2. Professional development increases earning potential and hiring ability.
   Professional development and continuing education offer opportunities to boost earning potential and future hire ability by increasing their knowledge and updating their skill sets. Professional credentials and certifications also provide easy ways to increase a professional’s value. Professionals with the right skill sets who seek out and take advantage of upskilling opportunities are certainly more bankable than those who don’t.
3. Professional development can provide networking opportunities.
   Many professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, and trainings allow professionals to branch out and meet other people within their industry who may be able to help them with career opportunities in the future. When you decide you want a change or are ready to advance in your career, your professional network and the professional relationships you forged will be useful.
4. Professional development keeps professionals current on industry trends.
   Professional development, continuing education, and learning opportunities are great ways to stay current on industry knowledge and trends. Every professional industry constantly evolves, so employees should use professional development and training opportunities to expand their knowledge base, learn new practices and techniques, and embrace new technology.

Why United Way is doing this?

The fund is administered through the United Way of Broome County with the support of the Community Foundation for South Central NY. A committee of United Way of Broome County staff and community volunteers makes decisions.

United Way is inspired to lend a helping hand to young professionals in Broome County. By offering this opportunity, young professionals can have the proper support to grow in their careers. We are honored to offer this opportunity to growing professionals in the area.

ELS members may apply to support professional development opportunities that will expand their skill set. Applications are accepted quarterly in February, May, August, and November.

Grants will be awarded at a maximum of $700 per person, per opportunity and can be applied to conference registration, fees, hotels, meals, travel, continuing education credit fees, and professional licensing fees. Members are encouraged to apply as opportunities present themselves and are not limited to one application per year.

Any and all awards are for reimbursement. Documentary evidence such as receipts or paid invoice is required for all expenses.