CLEVELAND - The International Collegiate Licensing Association (ICLA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce applications for the 2026–27 ICLA Mentorship Program are open. ICLA leadership has updated the timing of the program to better align with the membership year.

The ICLA Mentorship Program is a resource for members seeking to grow their understanding of the collegiate licensing industry while becoming more involved with the Association. The program connects newcomers with experienced professionals to help advance careers, strengthen licensing program management, and build meaningful industry relationships.

Each mentee will be paired with up to two mentors, ideally one institutional and one affiliate member, who will share their experience and provide guidance. The 2026–27 mentee class will begin at the start of the academic year and conclude at the 2027 NACDA and Affiliates Convention in Orlando, Florida.

Participants are expected to attend both the 2027 Desert Cactus ICLA Winter Symposium and the 2027 NACDA and Affiliates Convention. Registration fees are covered for all participants. Mentees are eligible for reimbursement up to $1,000 per event, while mentors receive one night of lodging per event.

The program serves as a formal professional development opportunity designed to enhance ICLA membership value, connect emerging and experienced professionals, and help develop future leaders in collegiate licensing.

Applicants must be current or committed 2026–27 ICLA members. Mentees must have at least one year of collegiate licensing experience, with responsibilities making up at least 50% of their role. Only one mentee per institution or affiliate may be selected each year, and individuals may only participate as a mentee once.

Mentors must be current ICLA members and attend required program events. Selection for both mentees and mentors is determined by ICLA leadership, with consideration given to experience and geographic representation if needed. Up to ten mentees may be selected annually.
 
CLICK HERE to learn more about program details and qualifications.
 
CLICK HERE to apply to be a MENTEE for the ICLA Mentorship Program.
 
CLICK HERE to apply to serve as a MENTOR for the ICLA Mentorship Program.

The application deadline is Friday, May 15, 2026.

For more information, contact Association Manager Nick Strah (nstrah@nacda.com).

About ICLA: ICLA provides educational and networking opportunities, enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics, and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of collegiate licensing. For more information on ICLA, please visit www.iclanet.com. ICLA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 61^st year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.