About the Course

The Executive Potential Program (EPP) is a 12-month competency-based leadership development program that provides training and developmental experiences for high-potential executives at the GS 13-15 levels or equivalent. The program theme is "Leading Change." The program’s objective is to equip leaders with the information, tools, and experience they need to serve at the highest levels.

The curriculum is focused on the Office of Personnel and Management’s Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) framework with a concentration on leading change. Training consists of four one-week sessions. Program components include individual development, action learning, and assessment. Participants also complete a team project by the end of the program. Teams work together during and between training sessions using the action learning process to identify and address real world problems and to produce recommendations that have direct impact.

The training requires participants to be away from their position for four, one week, virtual sessions over the course of one year. The Executive Potential Program is strategically designed around three program components; assessment, experiential learning and individual development.

• Assessments
  • Participants take the Graduate School USA’s premier Leadership Effectiveness Inventory (LEI), a robust 360 degree feedback assessment by supervisors, peers and direct reports if applicable. The results guide the learner and course development objectives. Additional assessments may include determining personality types and conflict management styles.

• Experiential Learning
  • Participants engage in activities inside and outside of class designed to develop core competencies. Certain activities serve to meet these program requirements:
    • Retention of a Mentor
    • Leadership Development Plan
    • Action Learning Team Project
    • Two eight (8) Week Developmental Assignments or One sixteen (16) Week Assignment
    • Senior Executive Services (SES) Interviews
    • Shadow Assignments
    • Leadership Book Reviews

• Individual Development
  • During the four one-week training sessions, participants receive instruction focused on the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) framework. Classes include lessons in the leadership mindset, leading in a changing environment, creative and innovative practices in leadership, and vision as a leadership catalyst.
  • Throughout the program, participants continue to build a network of peers across agencies, challenge one another, and expand their resume of accomplishments.
  • Participants also complete an Action Learning Project by the end of the program that requires teamwork outside the training sessions and tackles a real-world problem or challenge faced by an agency.

Participant Objectives

Strengthen needed competencies in such leadership skills as creativity and innovation, external awareness, conflict management, team building, customer service, accountability, financial management, human resource management, partnering, etc.

Program Duration

14 SEP 2026 to 17 SEP 2027

Virtual Session Dates

September 14 - 18, 2026

January 11 - 16, 2027

May 3 - 7, 2027

September 13 - 17, 2027

GS 13-15 and equivalent wage grade levels (WS 14-18 and WL 14).

Deadline

All Applications must be received by the Coast Guard no later than 28 Feb 2026.

Application Procedures

1. Coordinate with your Training Officer or ESO to submit an Electronic Training Request (ETR) using Direct Access. Course code: 500915.
2. 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.
3. A cover memo signed by the first Flag Officer or SES in the applicant's chain of command. This cover memo will serve both as a statement of recommendation and a commitment to provide the time and sponsorship for program completion should the applicant be selected. The letter of nomination should contain the following information:
   1. Please state how participation in the Executive Leader Program will support member's career goals.
   2. Address the applicants' potential performance.
   3. How the member will apply what they have learned in their current and future federal government positions.
   4. Address the applicant's potential as a leader.
4. Scan the documents (in paragraphs 2-4 above) into a .pdf file and send as an email attachment to HQS-SMB-OfficeofLeadership@uscg.mil. Include the course title within the subject line of the email.
5. Once the student is selected by the CG, a program manager will contact the student to complete an online Graduate School Application Form.

NOTE: DO NOT submit application directly to Graduate School, USA prior to being notified.

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).

More Information

For more information about the Graduate School USA Program Higher Reach Student Information System (SIS), click here.

School Information

Learn more on how to be the best executive you can be with OPM's Executive Development Best Practices Guide.

Program Manager

Mr. Kin Szeto, phone 571-607-6039, email Kin.P.Szeto2@uscg.mil