Feb. 17, 2026 —
About the Course
The Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) Emergence Program is a unique opportunity for homeland security and public safety professionals who are in the first half of their careers. The program includes an innovation lab for participants to research and develop an idea for change within their organizations (e.g., new policy, approach, program, procedure, system, use of technology, etc.). Participants will work collaboratively during the lab.
CHDS staff will be available to assist with the drafting of individual implementation plans.
Emergence is a six-month program with (2) one-week in-residence sessions and network-based learning that continues throughout the six-month program. The in-residence sessions are held at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. Details can be found here.
CHDS Programs are part of the wider DHS Academic Programs that provide its employees degrees and/or professional development opportunities for Coast Guard civilians and military at Department of Defense Senior Service Schools and other academic institutions. Application periods vary, and programs are added throughout the year.
Training Objectives
Participants gain an understanding and appreciation of multiple agencies’ missions and how to think more inclusively and globally about homeland security.
Funding
This program is fully funded by a FEMA grant, to include travel, lodging, and meals/per diem during the two one-week in-residence sessions.
Education
There is no degree requirement for this program.
Location
Virtual; Naval Postgraduate School campus in Monterey, CA
Duration
Participants will attend two, one-week sessions over a six-month period, with approximately two months of online work prior to both the first and second session. Both sessions are held at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.
Attendance and participation is required at all four sessions.
Eligibility Requirements
- Civilian: GS-9 through GS-13 (and equivalent) who are in the first 1-15 years of their Federal career and have completed one (1) year employment in DHS by start of program.
- Officer: Active duty officers in the first half of their careers with at least 1 year of service and a command endorsement.
- Enlisted: Active duty enlisted with a command endorsement.
Application Procedures & Due Dates
Please pay close attention, as the process is different for civilian and military personnel.
Civilian
Please note that BOTH a DHS nomination and CHDS application are required. Applicants are encouraged to complete both applications at the same time.
- DHS nomination packages due to the CG POC (listed below) by 08 MAY 2026. Access the DHS CHDS Emergence application here.
- CHDS applications are located on the CHDS website and are submitted via the website NLT 30 MAY 2026. Find the CHDS Emergence website here.
Military
- A single application to the CHDS programs is required. Applications are located on the CHDS website.
- Applications are submitted through the application portal via the website by 30 MAY 2026.
- Once you submit your application, please send an email to the CG POC (below) for tracking purposes. Include only your name, program name, and dates for which you applied.
Selection Criteria
All nominations will be prescreened based on the eligibility requirements listed in the criteria and forwarded to DHS for concurrence. Nomination by DHS does not guarantee selection for the program. CHDS will review all applications submitted and will make final selections based upon the school's acceptance criteria into the program.
Arranging Travel
Please note: FC-LDR considers the CHDS Emergence Program as mission essential training for the purpose of TDY travel. However, upon acceptance into this program, please route all TDY travel in accordance with the requirements set forth in ALCOAST 307/25, Updated Guidance to Required Clearance for Non-Mission Critical Domestic and International Travel and Speaking Engagements.
Program Manager
Ms. Alyssa Lombardi Blase, email: SMB-COMDT-CG-DHSAcademicProgramsAdministration@uscg.mil
Additional Information
CHDS website