Apply
2026–2027 Application: Now Open
Deadline: December 13, 2025
(Selection decisions will be made in January 2026)
How to Apply
To apply, submit the following documents:
- Your resumé, including email, postal address, and telephone contact information; and the name and email address of an assistant or alternate contact person
- An organizational chart that includes names and titles showing your position within the organization
- A recommendation letter from your highest-ranking official showing the organization's support of your participation in the program
- A list of key competitors (in order that we may avoid creating a cohort that would be unable to share effectively due to competitive situations)
Contact
Dawn Bailey
Program Manager
Baldrige Executive Fellows Program
Secure Email File Transfer
Please package documents and upload using the Baldrige Executive Fellows Program Secure File Upload to submit your application.
Selection Process
Selection decisions will be based on (1) sector mix, (2) appropriate level within the organization, (3) likelihood to follow through, and (4) no direct competitors with participating award recipients or other Fellows. Candidates will be notified of the decision by January 9, 2026. Tuition payment of $35,000 is due by February 17, 2026.
The tuition covers the following:
- Five face-to-face meetings around the United States with hotel rooms (including at The Ritz-Carlton, a two-time Baldrige Award recipient), meals, and materials (including copies of the Baldrige Excellence Framework and derivative versions)
- Behind-the-scenes tours, which have included of factories, hospitals, hotels, innovation labs, city engineering projects, and more
- Complete registration to a Quest for Excellence conference and Baldrige Award Ceremony
- Year-long executive coaching
- A peer network, with invitations to annual networking receptions
- Six or more virtual meetings, including of customized topics to match the Fellows’ interests
What Executive Fellows Are Saying
true payoff
Steven Schloss, United States Golf Association
__________________________________
The Fellows Program provides senior leaders the tools, framework, relationships, and best practice sharing in a highly interactive and thought provoking environment. We tend to move quickly and take little time out to learn and invest in our own growth. The one-year program commitment will have a true payoff personally and for my organization for the long term.
Resources
2026 Baldrige Executive Fellows Information Packet PDF
Journey to Excellence PDF, originally published in ASQ’s Quality Progress
A Crowning Achievement for Your Own Organization
Peer Learning, the Baldrige Fellows Program, by Harry Hertz, from Leadership Excellence July 2012 PDF
Benefits for Participants PDF
Contact
Dawn Bailey
Program Manager
Baldrige Executive Fellows Program
