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Merck Drexel Advanced Leadership Program for Small and Diverse Suppliers

Designed with Merck, the Merck Drexel Advanced Leadership Program for Diverse Suppliers (ALP) focuses on application and is supported by evidenced-based research and practitioner-industry experience.

Submit An Application

Applications are currently open for the 2024 Merck Drexel Advanced Leadership Program for Diverse Suppliers Program. Applications are due March 1, 2024.

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.