A leadership development program that will shape you into a powerful advocate, foster your growth, and contribute to the building of the movement.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) invites you to apply for the next cohort of our Kenneth Jernigan Leadership-In-Service Program (KJLSP).
Prepare to embark on a transformative journey that will shape you into a powerful advocate for blind individuals, foster your personal growth, and contribute to the continued building of the organized blind movement. All Federation members are invited to consider making the commitment to a leadership journey that will make a difference to you and to other blind people.
Please carefully review the program details, expectations, and preliminary steps before submitting a program application.
The deadline for applying is Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Program Highlights
Over the course of one year, you will experience a comprehensive training curriculum that blends in-person and virtual learning to provide a holistic leadership development experience.
- In-Person Training Intensives: Engage in immersive in-person training sessions led by seasoned leaders in the blind community. These intensive workshops will equip you with practical skills, knowledge, and strategies to effectively advocate for the rights and needs of blind individuals.
- Virtual Learning Modules: Access a diverse range of virtual modules designed to enhance your leadership capabilities, with a particular focus on leveraging technology for advocacy, communication, and community building. Explore topics such as public speaking, strategic planning, coalition building, and more.
- Mentorship and Networking: Benefit from mentorship opportunities with experienced leaders from the National Federation of the Blind, who will provide guidance, support, and insights throughout your journey. Additionally, you will have the chance to connect with fellow program participants, building a network of like-minded individuals passionate about the blind community.
- Real-World Projects: Apply your newfound skills through hands-on leadership experiences within the National Federation of the Blind. Contribute to ongoing initiatives, collaborate with existing leaders, and make a tangible impact on the lives of blind individuals.
- Personal Growth and Empowerment: Our program places great emphasis on personal growth, fostering self-confidence, resilience, and effective communication skills. Develop a strong sense of empowerment and self-advocacy that will serve you in all aspects of your life.
Eligibility and Commitments
This is a unique and intense leadership training opportunity specifically tailored for blind people who aspire to become leaders within the organized blind movement. Interested individuals should meet the following criteria:
- Be a current active member of the National Federation of the Blind.
- Have a fundamental understanding of the National Federation of the Blind (this program is not an introductory course of study).
- Have attended at least one NFB National Convention.
- Have attended one or more state affiliate conventions.
- Ideally serve, or have served, in an elected position in a chapter, affiliate, or division (or have demonstrated experience leading Federation committees or other appointed positions).
- Commit to participate in the following three in-person sessions (travel and lodging provided)
- Program Kickoff: September 17-20, 2026, NFB Jernigan Institute, Baltimore, MD.
- Leadership Seminar and Washington Seminar: Saturday through Sunday January 30-31, 2027, at the NFB Jernigan Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, and Monday through Thursday, February 1-4, 2027, at the Washington Plaza Hotel, Washington, DC.
- NFB National Convention: July 1-8, 2027, JW Marriott in Austin, Texas.
- Commit to participate in nine monthly virtual sessions (computer and internet access required).
- Complete assignments between sessions and provide feedback through surveys.
How to Apply
In order to apply, interested individuals should:
- Review the sample program application form in order to gather all of the required information prior to completing the online form (the online application form cannot be saved, therefore, must be completed all at once—we recommend cutting and pasting any open-ended answers).
- Prepare your responses to the application questions, giving careful consideration to your statement of leadership aspiration.
- Contact and secure the commitment of two NFB state affiliate presidents to serve as your sponsor/mentor for the program prior to submitting your online application. Potential sponsors may wish to interview you so please allow time for that. Please note that affiliate presidents are only permitted to sponsor two candidates each year so you should start building those relationships early. Complete contact information for NFB affiliate presidents can be found on our state affiliate webpage.
- Complete the KJLSP Online program application.
- You will receive a confirmation page and confirmation email upon successfully completing your application.
- Please note that the NFB state affiliate presidents who are listed as sponsoring you on your application will be contacted after applications close to verify and share additional information as part of the selection process. There will be nothing you need to do after completing the application although we recommend you stay in contact with your sponsors.