The 2026-2027 Managers Cohort
Are you a newer OST program manager looking to gain knowledge and skills that will help you be more effective within your own organization and to advance professionally within the OST field?
This interactive cohort series is designed specifically for site coordinators or managers who oversee staff runs from November 2026 through April 2027. APOST will select at least 15 people to participate in this learning cohort. The monthly sessions will be a mix of in-person and virtual and will cover a wide range of topics and the critical role you play in building a high-quality OST workforce.
Whether you're managing your first team or looking to expand your nonprofit knowledge, this cohort offers practical tools, peer learning, and real-world strategies to help you supervise with confidence and impact.
Benefits of Participating:
Develop leadership skills that focus on your growth within the field
Strengthen your professional network through mentorship and peer collaboration
Access resources, tools and templates from subject area experts and collaboration among cohort members
Session Dates
Sessions will take place monthly on the dates and times listed below. Sessions in teal are in person, and session in blue are on Zoom. In person locations are TBD. Sessions noted with an asterisk will include breakfast, snacks & lunch.
Thursday, November 12 | 10:00am - 2:00pm | In Person *
Topic: Overview, Community Building
Wednesday, December 9 | 10:00am - 12:00pm | Zoom
Topic: Community Building & Impact Project Session
Wednesday, January 6 | 10:00am - 12:00pm | Zoom
Topic: Program Evaluation
Wednesday, February 10 | 10:00am - 2:00pm | In Person
Topic: Crafting Impactful Stories
Wednesday, March 3 | 10:00am - 2:30pm | In Person *
Topics: Nonprofit Financial Management & Fundraising 101
Wednesday, April 14 | 10:00am - 12pm | In Person *
Topics: Closing Celebration & Impact Project Presentations
Requirements
Expected Time Commitment
The expected time commitment is approximately 32 hours between November 2026 and April 2027. This estimation includes all in-person sessions & virtual sessions as well as homework assigned in between sessions, resulting in no more than 1 hour each month.
Participation Requirements
Supervisor Approval: Participants are required to have supervisor approval to participate. Approval is needed at the time of application.
Homework Assignments: There will be work assigned in between sessions (totaling no more than 1 hour a month). This includes reflections on the month’s content and continuous work on the OST Impact Project.
OST Impact Project Presentation: All participants will deliver a 5-minute presentation at the Closing Celebration about their OST Impact Project due at the culmination of the program.
Attendance: APOST offers this at no cost and encourages attendance at all 7 sessions (March 3 is counts as two separate sessions). Official completion of the cohort is defined as a participant that attends at least 5 of the 7 sessions, with the Closing Celebration being required in order to present their OST Impact Project.
Monthly Surveys: Participants will be asked to complete a post-session survey on a monthly basis to provide feedback to help APOST staff determine the efficacy of the Managers Cohort program and its continuation and development.