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Thank you for your interest in the Merck Advanced Leadership Program for Small and Diverse Suppliers. We look forward to connecting with you.
Designed with Merck, the Merck Drexel Advanced Leadership Program for Small and Diverse Suppliers (ALP) focuses on application and is supported by evidenced-based research and practitioner-industry experience.
Submit An Application
Applications are currently closed for the 2024 Merck Drexel Advanced Leadership Program for Small and Diverse Suppliers Program.
To be considered for this unique learning opportunity, suppliers must submit an online application and be able to commit fully to the program dates. There are limited seats available. Applications will be reviewed by the Drexel and Merck program team, and selected participants are notified by the beginning of April.
Application Process
- Online application submission
- Video submission (under 90 seconds)
- Introducing program applicant(s)
- Mission, vision, and values of the organization
- How the ALP will benefit the future of the organization
- Corporate Biography submission
- Mission, vision, values of the organization
- Overview of products and services offered
- Date of when the organization was founded
- Quick facts or general organization information.
Merck Drexel ALP Curriculum
The ALP integrated program modules support an overarching theme of growing and scaling small and/or diverse businesses by building the leadership abilities and business acumen of diverse business owners. Lead by an interdisciplinary faculty/subject-matter expert team, each module provides an experiential and applied approach to executive development.
Module Topic Areas
- Leadership, Communication and Teams
- Building Personal Brand and Storytelling
- Strategic Networking
- Digital Presence and Strategy
- Customer Digital Journey
- Digital Media Metrics and Measurement
- Financial Reporting, Planning and Budgeting
- Short-Term and Long-Term Business Decisions
- Intersecting Finance and Operations
- Operations and Production Planning
- Purchasing and Contract Management
- Drexel and Merck Request for Proposal Culminating Capstone Challenge
Leadership Assessment
Participants also complete a customized Drexel LeBow leadership assessment, which provides them with an individualized report used to guide their leadership and development plan.
Request for Proposal Capstone Challenge
The ALP concludes with a Request for Proposal (RFP) Capstone Challenge. Participants use the RFP portfolio elements they have been building throughout the program to prepare and present their company to the challenge panel. The RFP challenge offers an invaluable experience through the coaching and feedback participants receive on their response and overall company performance.
2024 Tentative Program Schedule*
| Module | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| One: Leadership Intensive | May 20-21, 2024 | In-person @ Drexel University Philadelphia, PA |
| Two: Financial Planning, Measurement and ESG | June 5 and July 17, 2024 | Virtual Live (Synchronous) |
| Three: Digital Presence and Marketing Strategy | August 14-15, 2024 | Virtual Live (Synchronous) |
| Four: Business Intensive and Capstone Roundtable | September 17-18, 2024 | In-person @ Hiton Hotel East Brunswick, NJ |
* Schedule is subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the benefits of participating?
Participants have an opportunity to engage with faculty, their peers and Merck organizational leaders in thought-provoking, facilitated discussion that enhances self-reflection and personal development while building relationships across the broader community network.
- An intensive curriculum designed to expand your capacity, skill level and growth potential in critical areas in both classroom and online forums.
- Practical experience focused on enhancing critical thinking and decision-making with experiential learning approach embedded throughout.
- The opportunity to join peers in a mutually supportive and lasting network.
- Will this be an online course, and how long is this program?
This will be a combination of virtual and in-person. The program is four months, launching in May 2024, where the first module will be in-person, modules two and three will be virtual, and the fourth module and program graduation will be in person.
- What is the price of the program?
Should you be selected and accept the offer to attend, the tuition will be fully sponsored by Merck. The only costs that you will incur are logistics as needed.
Highlights: Merck ALP Cohorts 1 and 2
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Drexel Merck ALP Cohort One
Drexel Merck ALP Cohort Two
Graduate Testimonials
View the videos below to see the graduates of the Merck Drexel Advanced Leadership Program for Small and Diverse Suppliers and hear from them how the program helped to accelerate their careers.
Merck Drexel Graduation Part One
Merck Drexel Graduation Part Two
