> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hackersquad.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Squad Leader Application

> How to apply for the HackerSquad Squad Leader program

The Squad Leader application is your first step to becoming a community organizer on HackerSquad. The application collects information about your background, region, and plans for building a local developer community.

## Application form

The application covers several areas to help the HackerSquad team understand your fit for the program.

### Personal information

| Field     | Description                   |
| --------- | ----------------------------- |
| Full name | Your legal name               |
| Email     | Contact email for the program |
| LinkedIn  | Your LinkedIn profile URL     |

### Location and region

Specify the city and region where you plan to organize events. Squad Leaders typically focus on a specific metro area or region to build a concentrated local community.

### Experience and vision

The application asks about your background and plans:

| Field                             | Description                                                            |
| --------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Previous experience               | Your history with organizing developer events, meetups, or communities |
| Why you want to be a Squad Leader | Your motivation for joining the program                                |
| Community vision                  | How you plan to build and grow a developer community in your region    |
| Event cadence plans               | How often you plan to run events (e.g., weekly, biweekly, monthly)     |
| Potential venues                  | Venues you have access to or plan to use for events                    |
| Potential sponsors                | Companies in your region that may be interested in sponsoring events   |
| Existing network                  | The size and nature of your current developer network                  |
| Time commitment                   | How much time you can dedicate to the program each week                |
| Long-term goals                   | Where you see your community in 6-12 months                            |
| References                        | People who can vouch for your community organizing abilities           |

<Tip>A strong application demonstrates specific knowledge of your local developer community, realistic event plans, and existing connections to potential sponsors or venues.</Tip>

## Submitting your application

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to the application page">
    Go to the Squad Leader application page on HackerSquad.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Fill out all fields">
    Complete every section of the application form. The more detail you provide, the stronger your application.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and submit">
    Double-check your information and submit the application.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Review process

After submission, your application goes through a structured review process:

| Status       | Description                                                  |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Pending      | Application submitted and awaiting initial review            |
| Under Review | The HackerSquad team is actively evaluating your application |
| Approved     | You've been accepted into the Squad Leader program           |
| Rejected     | Your application was not accepted at this time               |

<Note>Applications are reviewed by the HackerSquad team. You will be notified by email when a decision is made.</Note>

## After approval

Once approved, you'll gain access to the full Squad Leader portal:

1. **Set up your profile** — Create your public Squad Leader profile with a bio, photo, and social links
2. **Explore the dashboard** — Familiarize yourself with the Squad Leader dashboard and tools
3. **Plan your first event** — Create your first event using the event management suite
4. **Start prospecting** — Use the Sponsor CRM to begin building your sponsor pipeline

## Next steps

<Columns>
  <Card title="Squad Leader overview" icon="users" href="/squad-leaders/overview">
    Learn more about the program
  </Card>

  <Card title="Dashboard" icon="chart-line" href="/squad-leaders/dashboard">
    Explore the Squad Leader dashboard
  </Card>

  <Card title="Profile setup" icon="user-pen" href="/squad-leaders/profile-setup">
    Set up your public profile
  </Card>
</Columns>