Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

The SDMS Foundation Emerging Leaders Program annually invites a cohort of students and recent graduates to be mentored as future leaders in the sonography field and within the SDMS. The program provides emerging leaders with the opportunity to observe the decision-making process and network with luminaries in the field. It also enables the SDMS Foundation Board to gain insight into emerging issues and trends in sonography education and practice from students and recent graduates.

Program participants participate in a variety of leadership education opportunities, designed to engage them in meaningful dialogue and projects related to the future of the profession and leadership volunteerism. The experience culminates with one member of the cohort (chosen based on participation, project/assignment completion, and other factors) receiving a grant to attend the fall SDMS and SDMS Foundation Board of Directors Meetings, Liaison Meeting, and the SDMS Annual Conference.

The 2025-2026 SDMS Emerging Leaders Cohort is presented in partnership with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) .

Eligibility

• Be a current member of the SDMS in good standing throughout the application cycle and duration of the program (membership lapse will result in the participant being removed from the program);
• Be currently enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited sonography educational program or have graduated from a CAAHEP-accredited sonography educational program within the past three years (proof of enrollment or graduation date required);
• Be nominated by their Program Director based on their leadership potential (click HERE to download the nomination form);
• Complete the Emerging Leaders Grant Program online application, including any required attachment(s); and
• Be available to attend the SDMS Annual Conference in the case that they are chosen to receive the grant and represent the cohort at the SDMS and SDMS Foundation Board of Directors Meetings and other onsite participation opportunities.

Restrictions and Limitations

• Completed applications, including all required attachments, must be received no later than 11:59 pm (central time) on the last day of the application period. An incomplete application will be disqualified.
• Program Directors may nominate only one student or recent graduate from each sonography educational program each year.
• Selected participants are expected to attend a series of scheduled calls and to participate in online educational opportunities related to leadership.
• Applicants are required to adhere to the SDMS Foundation Board Policy: Volunteer Conflict of Interest [V.2.1] and disclose any conflicts of interest that may prevent them from participating in the program or that may arise during the program's duration.
• If the cohort's grant recipient is unable to attend the Fall SDMS and SDMS Foundation Board of Directors Meetings, Liaison Meeting, and SDMS Annual Conference, an alternate may be selected, at the Board's discretion.
• Participants may apply for and be considered for up to one other SDMS Foundation grant and one SDMS Foundation Scholarship within a calendar year. NOTE: The Emerging Leaders grant recipient is ineligible to also receive an SDMS Educational Grant within the same calendar year.
• Previous participants in the Emerging Leaders Grant Program are ineligible to apply for future cohorts.
• If a Program Director who serves as an SDMS and SDMS Foundation Board member nominates a student or recent graduate, the Board member cannot participate in the cohort selection or grant recipient selection processes.

Cohort Selection

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and comply with all restrictions and limitations. Members of the SDMS Foundation Board of Directors will review completed, eligible applications and select the annual cohort participants. A maximum of 15 applicants will be accepted into the cohort each year. Applications are evaluated based on:

• Leadership potential, as evidenced by the Program Director's nomination;
• Desire to participate, as evidenced by the applicant's responses to required application questions;
• Commitment to attend scheduled calls and complete program assignments; and
• Willingness to travel to the Fall SDMS and SDMS Foundation Board of Directors meetings, Liaison Meeting, and the SDMS Annual Conference if selected as the cohort's grant recipient.

If the participant fails to fulfill their obligations (e.g., as evidenced by lack of attendance or participation, completion of assignments, etc.), the participant may be removed from further participation and would be ineligible to receive any grant program benefits or recognition, including receipt of the grant award.