Texas Trailblazers: Gay Gaddis Leadership Program Application
Now accepting applications for Cohort 2, the Fall ‘26 Trailblazers! The application deadline is Friday, March 13, 2026. More details about the program application and recruitment timeline can be found below.
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Program Overview & Requirements

  • Forty top identified student leaders (’40 on the 40 Acres’) will be selected for each cohort, either nominated by faculty, staff, alumni or those who self-apply to participate.
  • Cohort will be comprised of Junior and/or Senior-year students with the capacity to commit and fully-engage with the program and participants.
  • Students will represent many colleges, degree plans, interests and backgrounds.
  • Once enrolled in the program, 100% in-person participation is required.
  • Spanning across 14-weeks (1 semester per cohort), the cohort will meet once a week on UT Austin campus in a combination of formats, including homework meet-ups, classroom discussions, networking receptions, and fireside chats with proven leaders.
  • On occasion, the cohort may be invited to attend field trips to visit leaders in their workplace and/or opportunities to attend once-in-a-lifetime events.

Recruitment Timeline

  • Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Cabinet Coffee Chat / Casual Info Session
  • Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM: Texas Trailblazers Meet & Greet / Formal Info Event
  • Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Cabinet Coffee Chat / Casual Info Session
  • Tuesday, March 10, 2026 | 5:30 – 7:00 PM: Meet the Program Coordinator / Casual Info Session
  • Friday, March 13, 2026 | Online Program Applications Due
  • Monday, April 6, 2026 | Interview Advancement Notifications Emailed 
  • Monday, April 13 – Wednesday, April 15, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Program Interview Days
  • Friday, April 17, 2026 | Final Decision Notifications Emailed
  • Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | Deadline for Program Particiaption
  • Tuesday, April 28, 2026 | 5:00 -6:00 PM: Cohort Announcement Event
Application Form
Download and review the program application form template by clicking on the button below. Fill out, and save your own copy of the application. Submit your completed application using the form below.
Download the Application Form Template
Texas Trailblazers Application - Cohort 2 (Fall 2026)

Texas Trailblazers Application - Cohort 2 (Fall 2026)

Full Name
Full Name

Maximum file size: 104.86MB

Please upload your completed application form here.

Certification Statement

I certify that the information I have provided as part of the Texas Trailblazers: Gay Gaddis Leadership Program selection process is honest and accurate. By submitting this form, I understand that the Texas Trailblazers: Gay Gaddis Leadership Program may request to review my academic and disciplinary record with the appropriate University offices (i.e. Registrars, Admissions, Enrollment Management and Dean of Students) to ensure participation eligibility.

I acknowledge the Certification Statement.

Participation Policy

If accepted admission into the program, the student agrees to attend all scheduled program sessions and fully participate in cohort activities. Consistent attendance is essential to the integrity of the cohort experience and to successful program completion.

I acknowledge that I have reviewed the program schedule. If the student is aware of any scheduling conflicts, they agree to notify the Program Coordinator upon acceptance and well in advance of the affected session(s).

Students who miss more than two (2) program sessions, for any reason, will not graduate with their cohort. Rare exceptions may be considered only in cases of unforeseen circumstances or serious illness and are granted at the sole discretion of the program. If a student’s schedule changes after acceptance, the student agrees to notify the Program Coordinator immediately. Failure to communicate scheduling conflicts in a timely manner may impact the student’s standing in the program.

I agree to the Participation Policy.
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