About the Course

The CHDS Emergence Program is a unique opportunity for homeland security and public safety professionals who are in the first half of their careers. The program includes an innovation lab for participants to research and develop an idea for change within their organizations (e.g., new policy, approach, program, procedure, system, use of technology, etc.). Participants will work collaboratively during the lab.

CHDS staff will be available to assist with the drafting of individual implementation plans.

The Emergence Program consists of four one-week sessions (two online and two in-person) over a six-month period. The in-person sessions are conducted at the CHDS campus in Monterey, CA. This program is fully funded by a FEMA grant. Details can be found here.

CHDS Programs are part of the wider DHS Academic Programs that provide its employees degrees and/or professional development opportunities for Coast Guard civilians and military at Department of Defense Senior Service Schools and other academic institutions. Application periods vary, and programs are added throughout the year.   

Training Objectives

Participants gain an understanding and appreciation of multiple agencies’ missions and how to think more inclusively and globally about homeland security.  

Funding

Tuition, fees, and travel are funded through a grant from FEMA. Participants will be required to sign a Continuing Service Agreement if selected to participate. The service obligation for the Emergence Program is 12 months.

Education

There is no degree requirement for this program.

Location

Virtual; Naval Postgraduate School campus in Monterey, CA 

Duration

There are two online and two one-week in-residence sessions over the course of six months.  Attendance and participation is required at all four sessions.

NPS requires students to be in residence only two weeks every quarter (for a total of 12 weeks for the whole program).  Students complete the remainder of their coursework via the web.

Eligibility Requirements

• Civilian: GS-9 through GS-13 (and equivalent) with 3 to 15 years of federal work experience in any area (does not need to be homeland security related).
• Officer: Active duty officers in the first half of their careers with at least 1 year of service and a command endorsement are eligible to apply.
• Enlisted:  Active duty enlisted with a command endorsement.

Application Procedures & Due Dates 

Please pay close attention, as the process is different for civilian and military personnel. 
 
Civilian

Please note that BOTH a DHS nomination and CHDS application are required. Applicants are encouraged to complete both applications at the same time. 

1. DHS nomination packages are located on the DHS Academic Programs website. 
2. Nomination packages are due to the CG POC (listed below) by 08 NOV 24.  Access the DHS CHDS Emergence application here.
3. CHDS applications are located on the CHDS website and are submitted via the website NLT 01 DEC 24. Find the CHDS Emergence website here.

Military

1. A single application to the CHDS programs is required. Applications are located on the CHDS website.
2. Applications are submitted via the website by 01 DEC 24. 
3. Once you submit your application, please send an email to the CG POC (below) for tracking purposes. Include only your name, program name, and dates for which you applied. 

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria focus on the relevancy and level of applicants’ positions and homeland security responsibilities, experience and knowledge they will bring to the program. This is very important since the sessions are facilitated roundtable discussions and debates where participants learn from one another.

The selection criteria also addresses the potential benefit of relationship building to the applicant that occurs during the program. A major objective of the program is to establish relationships between executives across disciplines, agencies and levels of government so that they can utilize the network to develop new homeland security policies, strategies and plans.

Program Manager

Ms. Alyssa Lombardi Blase, email: SMB-COMDT-CG-DHSAcademicProgramsAdministration@uscg.mil  

Additional Information

CHDS website  

DHS Academic Programs (Accessible only through Coast Guard workstations)