Baldrige Fellows Program Key Information
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 fee covers all materials, as well as a standard hotel room and at least four meals for each session.
KEY DATES
2025-2026 Cohort Schedule*
March 30-April 2, 2025
Program Kickoff
36th Quest for Excellence Conference®
Baltimore, MD
June 5-6, 2025
Fort Collins, CO
October 21-22, 2025
Detroit, MI
January 21-22, 2026
Pentagon City, VA
March 28, 2026
Capstone Presentation
37th Quest for Excellence Conference®
Baltimore, MD
*Dates and locations subject to change
2026-2027 Cohort Schedule*
March 29-April 1, 2026
Program Kickoff
37th Quest for Excellence Conference®
Baltimore, MD
May 26-28, 2026
Fort Worth, TX
October 26-28, 2026
Atlanta, GA
January 25-27, 2027
St. Louis, MO
April 3, 2027
Capstone Presentations
38th Quest for Excellence Conference®
Baltimore, MD
*Dates and locations subject to change
What Executive Fellows Are Saying
true payoff
Steven Schloss, United States Golf Association
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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 Fellows Information Packet Word (coming soon)
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
