The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the Center for Creative Leadership have launched the Ladder to Leadership: Developing the Next Generation of Community Health Leaders, a project designed to improve the leadership capacity of community-based nonprofits serving vulnerable populations.

People with addictions are included in RWJF's Vulnerable Populations program.

Nine priority communities nationally will be targeted by the Ladder to Leadership program, which will provide a 16-month leadership-development curriculum to 270 early- to mid-career professionals. Priority communities include central New York; Cleveland, Ohio; Birmingham, Alabama; Albuquerque, New Mexico; eastern North Carolina; Portland, Oregon; Mid South (western Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, northern Mississippi); New Jersey and Starr County, Texas.

Up to 30 fellows will be chosen from each communities based on their record of accomplishment, future leadership potential, and proven commitment to serving vulnerable populations and improving health outcomes.

Application deadlines vary; see the RWJF website for more information.