About the Course

The Executive Leader Program, conducted by the Graduate School, USA, provides leadership and managerial training and development opportunities for employees who have a high potential to be a future federal manager. 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 the skills that will help them develop into effective managers and leaders.

The training requires participants to be away from their position for a minimum of four, one-week, sessions over a nine-month period. All sessions are virtual. The program components include:

1. Four 5-day residential sessions
2. A team project that involves the design and delivery of a one-hour presentation on a leadership related topic
3. An individual needs assessment
4. A Leadership development plan
5. A project impact paper on how your training experience will impact your career plans and goals
6. A one-week assignment "shadowing" a federal manager
7. One-on-one interviews with senior federal managers
8. At a minimum, participants complete one eight-week developmental assignment outside of the position of record. Assignments are to be completed during the nine-month program.
9. Leadership readings

Assignments to be completed outside of class hours include at a minimum: one eight-week developmental rotational assignment outside of the position of record, interviews with senior federal managers, leadership readings, a one-week shadowing of a federal manager, a team project on a leadership related topic, a leadership development plan, and an individual needs assessment.

Members should plan to spend an average of 4 hours per week outside of the resident sessions to complete assignments.

School Information

Participant Objectives

Strengthen basic competencies in leadership skills such as teamwork, customer service, problem solving, self-direction, flexibility, interpersonal skills, conflict management, decisiveness, oral and written communication, and working effectively in a diverse workforce.

Program Duration

September 15, 2025 – June 13, 2026 

Class Convening Dates

2025

15 – 19 Sep 2025 

15 – 19 Dec 2025 

2026

9 – 13 Mar 2026 

8 – 12 Jun 2026 

Eligibility

GS 11-13, Non-appropriated Fund (NAF) NF 4-5 members who are not supervisors or are new supervisors with less than one year of supervisory experience, and equivalent wage grade levels (WG and WL 10-15).

Deadline

Applications must be received by the Coast Guard no later than 14 Feb 2025.

Application Procedures

To apply:

1. Coordinate with your Training Officer or ESO to submit an Electronic Training Request (ETR) using Direct Access. Course code: 500916.
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 O6 or GS15 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 applicant's 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 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.  
   1. NAF employees interested in attending leadership courses or programs should email completed packages no later 31 Jan 2025 to Ms. Victoria Council at Victoria.Council@cgexchange.org, 757-842-4790, copying COMDT-DCMS-DPR-5 
5. 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 DCMS-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

Additional Information

For additional information (including conveying dates, prerequisites, location, etc.) please visit the TQC website.

For course information conflicts between DCMS-DPR-5 website and TQC website, DCMS-DPR-5 takes precedence.