Feb. 10, 2025 —
About the Course
The New Leader Program, conducted by the Graduate School, USA, is for employees who have just entered leadership positions or have a high potential for leadership. The program is designed to strengthen the employee's leadership competencies and to teach them how to apply the skills they learn in real-world situations. Participants gain knowledge and practice skills that will help them develop into effective leaders.
The training requires participants to be away from their primary duties for three, one-week, sessions over a six-month period. All sessions are virtual. The program components include:
1. Individual assessment
2. Leadership development plan
3. Learning teams/team projects
4. 30-day developmental work assignment
5. Management readings
6. Management interviews
7. Shadow assignment
Assignments to be completed outside of class hours include at a minimum: individual assessments, a leadership development plan, learning teams/team projects, a four-week developmental rotational work assignment, leadership book readings, two management interviews, and a three-day shadow assignment.
Members should plan to spend an average of 4-6 hours per week outside of the resident sessions to complete assignments.
School Information
Participant Objectives
The New Leader program helps participants create personalized development plans, cultivate key leadership skills like conflict management, and gain organizational visibility.
Organizations benefit by developing future leaders, gaining exposure to new ideas, and ensuring employees meet organizational needs.
Program Duration
11 AUG 2025 to 27 FEB 2026
Session Dates
11 AUG to 15 AUG 2025
17 NOV to 21 NOV 2025
23 FEB to 27 FEB 2026
Eligibility
GS 7-11, Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) NF 3-4, and equivalent wage grade levels (WG 10-15, WL 6-14, WS 8-13)
Deadline
Applications must be received by the Coast Guard no later than 28 Feb 2025.
Application Procedures
To apply:
- Coordinate with your Training Officer or ESO to submit an Electronic Training Request (ETR) using Direct Access. Course code: 500917.
- Submit a current resume, or equivalent documentation, signed and dated by the applicant showing a current home address. Resumes or equivalent documentation shall not exceed one page.
- Include a letter of nomination in CG memo format from the commanding officer at field units or appropriate office/division chief for HQ, Area, District or Sector staffs. The letter of the nomination should contain the following information:
- Please state how participation in the New Leader Program will support the member's career goal.
- Address the applicant's potential performance.
- How the member will apply what they have learned in their current and future federal government positions.
- Address the applicant's potential as a leader.
- Scan the documents (in paragraphs 2-4 above) into one PDF and send as an email attachment HQS-SMB-OfficeofLeadership@uscg.mil. The subject line for the email must be formatted as follows: Applicant_Course Number_First Name_Last.
- Once the student is selected by the CG, a DPR-5 POC will contact the student to complete an online Graduate School Application Form.
For more information about the Graduate School USA Program Higher Reach Student Information System (SIS), click here.
NOTE: DO NOT submit application directly to Graduate School, USA prior to being notified by DPR-5.
Selection Procedures
1. A selection panel will review the documents of all eligible applicants.
2. Selected individuals will be notified by record message traffic of their selection.
3. Alternates will be selected and will attend the program in the event a primary candidate cannot attend.
4. Selected individuals will be directed to submit a completed SF182, including the signed Continued Service Agreement (pages 4-5 of the SF182).
Program Manager
PERS3 Caitlin Fleming