Student Leadership provides students (Bachelors through PhD) with an opportunity to travel to the US for a combination of career development training and access to scientific content. Additionally, SL offers a platform for students to network with hundreds of individuals from around the globe. 

You must be a student member of Optica to be eligible for this benefit. Applications will be reviewed and the top 100 will be selected to attend. This benefit is open to ALL student members, regardless of whether or not you are a member of a student chapter. 

If selected to attend, Optica will cover:

• Transportation to the conference (this does not include taxis/buses, unless you are local to where the conference is occurring)
• Lodging (generally with arrival on Saturday and departure on Thursday)
• Meals on Sunday, 26  October 2026
• Registration for FiO

A sample program is below:

Typical programming includes workshops, plenary speakers, and invited speakers. As an example, the 2025 Student Leadership program is below. The 2026 program will contain similar subject matter.

• Sustainable Networking 
• Uncharted Paths: Navigating Career Growth with Curiosity and Courage
• Workshops on applying for jobs, navigating funding applications, proposal writing, careers in academia and industry, communication, designing your career, leadership mindset, and navigating career challenges.
• Gravitational Waves: Opening a New Window to the Universe
• The student party

Additionally, networking opportunities with the Foundation board as well as other students throughout the program.

https://apply.osa.org/prog/student_leadership_2026_