Leadership can exist at all levels. Do you know what leadership skills and competencies are needed to enhance your career development? The Aspiring Leader Program is designed to challenge participants to increase the capacity of their current skills and abilities. Participants will engage in a variety of learning activities and planning efforts, which will result in key learnings and practical applications. These learning activities better prepare participants to continue to add value to their organizations and contribute to the success of the federal workforce.
ALP 2013-1 Application Deadline: March 29, 2013 or until filled
Session
Dates
Year
Location
Session I
April 15-19
2013
Washington, DC
Session II
May 20-24
2013
Washington, DC
ALP 2013-2 Application Deadline: June 14, 2013 or until filled
Session
Dates
Year
Location
Session I
July 8-12
2013
Washington, DC
Session II
August 12-16
2013
Washington, DC
ALP 2013-3 Application Deadline: September 20, 2013 or until filled
Session
Dates
Year
Location
Session I
October 7-11
2013
Washington, DC
Session II
November 18-22
2013
Washington, DC
Training
Participants are required to attend two one-week training sessions. Key training addresses fundamental competencies that are identified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) as essential for all federal employees. These competencies are Continual Learning, Written Communication, Oral Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Integrity/Honesty, and Public Service Motivation.
Expectations Between Training Sessions
The Aspiring Leader participant is exposed to a myriad of activities and assignments to explore resources. These activities are required of all program participants:
Identify skills to improve performance. Participants will assess and identify current skills and competencies needed for continual growth and development.
Develop a career strategy. Participants are required to develop a plan outlining their career development goals that also identifies barriers and strategies for overcoming challenges.
Enhance written communication skills. Participants engage in a variety of writing assignments to elevate their written communication skills.
Create a personal leadership philosophy. Participants will create a personal philosophy and framework for practicing leadership.
Application Procedure Completed application packages should be sent by mail or other service (e.g., FedEx, UPS) to:
Aspiring Leader Program Center for Leadership and Management Graduate School USA 600 Maryland Avenue SW, Suite 330 Washington, DC 20024-2520 Phone: (202) 314-3580
Or via email to
The nomination package must be received by the nomination deadline and must include:
A completed Aspiring Leader Program Application that includes information about the applicant, the applicant’s immediate supervisor, and the program coordinator at the applicant’s organization. The program coordinator is the person who will maintain records of the applicant’s developmental activities and serve as a liaison between Graduate School USA and the participant.
A statement from the applicant indicating the purpose for applying and how participation in the Aspiring Leader Program will support the applicant’s career goals
The applicant’s current resume, signed and dated by the applicant
Payment, which must accompany the application before it will be processed. We accept:
Credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa)
Government purchase cards
Organization purchase orders; a completed and signed government training authorization form (e.g., SF-182) may be submitted in lieu of a purchase order
Cash, money orders, checks, and cashier’s checks
Applicants are advised that their organization may have different requirements and deadline dates to submit applications. Please check with agency coordinators to determine if there is an internal competitive process before submitting an application to the ALP.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact staff in the Center for Leadership and Management.
Contact Information
Aspiring Leader Program Center for Leadership and Management Graduate School USA 600 Maryland Ave SW, Suite 330 Washington, DC 20024-2520
Individuals should be nominated based on both their leadership potential and their motivation to fully participate in and complete all program requirements. To complete the Aspiring Leader Program, participants will be absent from their position of record for two weeks of training and must complete several assignments that need to be submitted between week one and week two. Consideration should be given to ensure completion of these assignments.
Withdrawals and Substitutions
Withdrawals and substitutions are accepted at no cost if made more than 14 days before the program begins. For cancellations made fewer than 14 days before the program begins, there is a $500 processing fee if no substitution is made. There will be no refund for withdrawal after the orientation session begins. Due to the amount of time necessary to complete the pre-assessments, substitutions will only be accepted 14 days prior to the program’s beginning.
Accessibility
Graduate School USA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. We make every practical effort to ensure that our programs are accessible to physically challenged participants and participants with special needs. Upon acceptance into the program, students requiring assistance and accommodation should complete a Special Accommodation Request form and submit it to the Office of the Registrar. The Special Accommodations Coordinator may be reached at (202) 314-3349 or
, and by TDD at (888) 744-2717.
