10/31/2026
2027 GRLA Applications Are Open! 🥳
If you’re ready to grow as a leader, connect with REALTORS® from across Arkansas, and invest in your future, we invite you to apply. ✅
We've listened to your feedback, and in 2027, GRLA is evolving! The Academy has undergone a thoughtful review, with significant work already completed to strengthen the experience for the 2027 class. That work continues as we look for ways to make the program more meaningful, engaging, and valuable to participants and their local associations.
A few important updates for 2027 :
👉 Applicants are asked to submit a current resume in place of listing their education and work experience directly on the application.
👉 No shared hotel rooms. Participants will have individual accommodations during Academy retreats.
👉 More flexibility for local associations. Local boards may choose to endorse an applicant or acknowledge the application without endorsement.
👉 Committee service has entered the chat. Each 2027 GRLA participant will be assigned to a standing ARA committee as part of their leadership academy training.
👉 A fresh look at the annual project. We're evaluating whether to retain the current project requirement or introduce a different capstone experience that allows participants to demonstrate and share what they've learned throughout the year.
Our goal is to preserve what makes GRLA so special while continuing to strengthen the program based on the experiences and insights of those who know it best.
đź“… Application deadline to ARA: December 1.đź“…
To graduate from the GRLA program, a participant is expected to attend all sessions. All sessions will be held at the ARA office in Little Rock unless otherwise specified.
📣 Here is this year’s GRLA schedule:
January 11-12, 2027 - Retreat 1: Know You to Lead You
February 22-23, 2027 - ARA Winter Meetings (*Little Rock Marriott)
April 5-6, 2027 - Retreat 2: Lead Others
May 17-18, 2027 - Retreat 3: Lead the Association
June 7-8, 2027 - Retreat 4: Lead the Industry (*Hot Springs, AR)
June 21-22, 2027 - ARA Summer Meetings (*Embassy Suites West Little Rock)
August 9-10, 2027 - Retreat 5: Lead Beyond Real Estate (*Red Apple Inn)
September 19-22, 2027 - Lead Forward / Convention & Graduation (*Fort Smith Convention Ctr)
** GRLA participants are expected to attend the ARA Winter and Summer Meetings where they will meet with and observe ARA committees in action as well as meeting as a class.
So if you’ve been thinking about stepping into a leadership role, this is your invitation to apply! We’re excited about the changes ahead and can’t wait to welcome the GRLA Class of 2027.
Applications are due to ARA by December 1. We can’t wait to meet the Class of 2027!
Apply Here --> https://www.arkansasrealtors.com/professional-development/graduate-realtors-leadership-academy