The emphasis of this program is leading people through experiential and individual development activities. This nine-month program consists of four one-week intensive residential sessions.

Target Audience: GS 11, 12, 13 or equivalent

Program Duration: 9 months

Tuition: $4,625 (tuition does not include travel, meals or lodging)

Eligibility:

• Minimum of 2 years of Federal service
• Recently entered a leadership position or have a high potential for leadership
• Wish to develop, enhance, or improve leadership skills

Learning Activities:

• Three book reviews
  • One self-selected book
  • One related to team project
  • One related to developmental competency)
• Complete a 60-day developmental assignment within your agency
• GS 13 – Senior Executive Service shadowing assignment (3 days)
• Interview five GS 14s or above (one in the private sector and at least one female)

Developmental Activities:

• Leadership development plan
• Action learning teams
• Project Identification and project planning
• Emphasis on best practices in leadership
• Concentration on the following competencies:
  • Leading Change
  • Leading People
  • Managing for Results
  • Building Coalitions/Communication

Nomination Deadlines: ELP 2014-1: March 29, 2013 or until filled
ELP 2014-2: August 9 or until filled

How to Apply: The nomination package must be endorsed through the chain-of-command. Upon chain-of-command approval, Command Training Representatives will forward endorsed nomination packages to the USDA Graduate School.

Detailed Curriculum Information is available at the USDA Graduate School ELP site.

Program applicants are advised that their organization may have different deadline dates and requirements. It is important to check with the Command Training Representative for information regarding deadline dates and requirements.

Send the application package by regular mail, Federal Express, or UPS to the following address:

Executive Leadership Program
Center for Leadership and Management
Graduate School, USDA
600 Maryland Avenue, SW, Suite 330
Washington, DC 20024-2520
(202) 314-3580