YAA-Redpath Speakers Program

Through a restricted endowment fund, the YAA-Redpath Speakers Program brings Yale faculty scholarship to alumni and their communities around the world by helping regional clubs host engaging educational events. 

Because funding is limited, the YAA-Redpath Program cannot support every request. The YAA Regional Clubs team will work with clubs to identify other ways to connect with Yale faculty outside the YAA-Redpath funding process.

Each fiscal year (July 1-June 30), the leadership of regional clubs may submit a request for a YAA-Redpath-supported faculty event. Requests are evaluated based on available funding, geographic distribution, faculty availability, previous year’s events, and alignment with the YAA's mission of inclusivity, social connection, and lifelong learning.

Participation is not guaranteed. Funding is awarded annually based on requests received and available funds.

Clubs interested in hosting a YAA-Redpath speaker should submit a request through this online application form. For the 2026-2027 year, we are only accepting requests for events scheduled January 1 through June 30, 2027.

• September 15 – November 15, 2026 – Application period for January-June 2027 events
• January 1 – March 31, 2027 – Application period for August – December 2027 events

Requests should be submitted 4 months before the desired event date to allow adequate time for faculty outreach and planning.

To be considered for YAA-Redpath funding, clubs must:

• Submit a request during the annual application period. 
• Be in good standing with the Yale Alumni Association, as demonstrated by regular collaboration with your club’s YAA staff liaison and engagement with YAA leadership updates and trainings (such as Assembly & Convocation and Executive Director updates). 
• Work collaboratively with staff throughout the planning process. 

We recommend identifying topics of interest to your community, and we’ll work with you and our colleagues to match speakers with your club. We encourage you to browse YaleNews for inspiration and timely topics and emerging areas of interest. A list of more than 300 Yale faculty speakers and their areas of expertise is available on the YAA-Redpath Speakers website. As part of the application, you’ll be asked to select your top three topic areas and, optionally, your top three faculty speaker preferences. 

Requests will be reviewed and approved based on available YAA-Redpath funding. Once a request is approved, the YAA Regional Clubs team will contact the faculty on the club’s behalf to confirm availability and interest. 

Clubs should not independently invite faculty to participate in YAA-Redpath events. Expenses for faculty who are invited independently by a club will not be covered by the YAA-Redpath fund. This helps ensure a coordinated approach and avoid conflicting or duplicative outreach.

The YAA-Redpath Program provides financial support for approved events within an annual endowment distribution. Funding is intended to support reasonable costs associated with bringing Yale faculty to alumni communities. 

These costs may include:

• Faculty travel, lodging, and meals
• Ground transportation 
• Approved event production expenses, such as A/V

Funding is limited, and requests may be adjusted based on annual program budget and the number of participating clubs

Venue: When selecting venues, clubs are encouraged to balance cost, accessibility, and attendee experience.

Registration: YAA staff will set up a registration site with content, logos, and tickets. Timely updates on sales will be provided. 

Ticket Fees: Working together, clubs and YAA staff will determine a reasonable fee (when necessary)

Marketing: Both volunteers and YAA staff will market the event. Clubs are responsible for submitting the event to the YAA events calendar. YAA regional clubs staff will work with YAA marketing & communications colleagues to ensure the best course for YAA marketing. 

On-Site Logistics: Clubs will coordinate with board and local volunteers to set up and execute the event. When YAA staff are present, they can also support. 
 

No. Funding is limited, and requests are reviewed annually based on available resources and alignment with YAA strategic plan priorities.

No. For YAA-Redpath-supported events, faculty outreach must be coordinated through the YAA to ensure consistent communication, prevent conflicting requests between clubs, and protect faculty relationships.

The YAA may still be able to assist with connecting your club to faculty through other opportunities that do not rely on YAA-Redpath funding. Discussion should be had with your staff liaison. 

Yes! Joint events are encouraged when they increase attendance, reduce costs, or make faculty travel more efficient. That intention can be included in the application form.