Project LEAD® Institute

Project LEAD is for dedicated lay advocates who want to take their advocacy with NBCC to the next level. This course teaches the basics in fundamental breast cancer science so that participants can more effectively advocate for NBCC’s mission to end breast cancer. This course was designed for advocates who do not have extensive medical training or prior experience with breast cancer science.

Typically, days begin with breakfast at 7am, followed by the first lecture at about 8am. The daily program will end by about 6:30pm – 7:00pm. Each day will contain several lectures, followed by smaller breakout groups for review and discussion, with multiple short breaks in between.  All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are provided.

The dress code is casual. It is important for you to be comfortable during the long sessions.

We strongly recommend participants bring their own laptop or tablets. In an effort to be environmentally conscious, the course materials will be provided electronically for participants to print or view on their devices, according to their preferences. If requested, a rented iPad may be provided by NBCC to access the course content. Printed copies of slides, readings, etc. will not be provided by NBCC.

Yes. Expert faculty will be present throughout the week, at meals, during breaks, as well as during the small group sessions. There will also be a dinner during which the instructors will have the opportunity to discuss their work and answer questions from the advocates.

On any given day, the full group will hear several lectures from expert faculty and then break out into small study groups, led by their respective mentors and a scientific expert. With the aid of provided study questions, the groups go through what they have learned in the lectures in order to clarify and synthesize the material. At the end of the week, each group presents on a topic from the course.

Yes! Project LEAD participants come from around the country (and the world) to attend the course. You will be able to get to know other advocates during breaks and mealtimes, as well as interact one-on-one with scientists and researchers.

Mentors are experienced NBCC advocates who have already taken Project LEAD and will help guide participants through their experience at the Institute and beyond. Each participant will be assigned to a small group with one mentor. This person will help prepare their group for Project LEAD, guide them through the course material, and keep in touch with them after the Institute to ensure they are able to implement their advocacy goals.

Yes. After being accepted, all participants must complete a selection of readings and videos designed to serve as a primer to the content they will receive at Project LEAD. This pre-work is required. During the Institute, participants will be assigned homework such as looking ahead at the next day’s presentations and viewing NBCC position statements. While at Project LEAD, participants will be asked to complete a Graduate Action Plan. This is also required. It will help attendees flesh out their advocacy goals and how they plan to work with NBCC going forward.

Participants must commit to staying for the full length of the course. There are a limited number of slots available in each Project LEAD class. If you cannot attend the entire course, you are taking the place of an advocate who can. Failure to attend all lectures and activities means you will not graduate or receive the benefits designed for Project LEAD graduates.

No. All participants must stay onsite at Estancia La Jolla. All courses and meals are at this hotel and participants must attend all sessions.

The Project LEAD Institute is free of charge. Materials, course content, and meals are provided to all attendees. Advocates are asked, however, to cover their own travel and hotel stay. Some scholarships are available to participants who need them. Scholarship awardees will receive the cost of a shared hotel room for the duration of the Institute and/or a travel supplement of $300 to ease costs. To apply for a scholarship, please complete the relevant section of the Project LEAD application form.

While attending NBCC’s Summit prior to taking Project LEAD is not required, it is strongly encouraged. The Summit provides an excellent opportunity to learn about NBCC and our priorities, as well as to begin to make connections with our network of dedicated advocates. Applicants who have previously attended an Advocate Leadership Summit will be given priority in the selection process.