About the Course

The Executive Leadership Program (ELP) is a nine-month competency-based leadership development program that provides training and developmental experiences for mid-level employees at the GS 11-13 levels or equivalent. The program theme is "Leading People." The program objectives are to help participants expand their knowledge, experience, and increase their visibility through a myriad of competency-based developmental activities.

The curriculum is focused on the Office of Personnel and Management’s Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) framework and the associated 28 competencies with a concentration on leading people. Training consists of four one-week training sessions. (See Program Schedule for details on program locations.)

Program components include individual development, experiential learning, and assessments.

• Assessments
  • Participants take the Graduate School USA’s Leadership Effectiveness Inventory (LEI), a robust 360-degree feedback assessment by supervisors, peers and direct reports if applicable. The results guide the participant and course development objectives. Other assessments maybe used to help in the formation of teams and to develop strategies to deal with conflict.

• Experiential Learning
  • Provides the opportunity for participants to work together to strengthen leadership and developmental skills. Participants explore and implement team building methodologies, apply conflict management strategies, and understand external awareness through the use of a team project.

• Individual Development 
  • Participants strengthen their understanding of concepts covered during the training sessions and competencies identified for development by the Leadership Effectiveness Inventory (LEI) through activities related to:
    • Retention of a Mentor
    • Leadership Development Plan
    • Team Project
    • One eight-week Developmental Assignment
    • Senior Executive Interviews
    • Shadow Assignment
    • Leadership Book Reviews
    • Community Service
    • Communities of Practice (DC-Based and Virtual Only)

• Core Competency-Based Training
  • During the four one-week training sessions, participants receive instruction focused around the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the twenty-eight associated competencies.
  • Classes include lessons in leading teams, individual skill building for leadership success, leading in an ever-changing environment, creative and innovative practices in leadership, and celebrating success and recognizing growth as a leader.
  • During training, participants continue to build a network of peers across agencies, challenge one another, and expand their resume of accomplishments.

Program Duration

September 14, 2026 – June 11, 2027 

Session Dates

September 14 - 18, 2026

December 14 - 18, 2026

March 8 - 12, 2027

June 7 - 11, 2027

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 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: 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.  
5. Once the student is selected by the CG, a program manager will contact the student to complete an online Graduate School Application Form.

NAF employees interested in attending leadership courses or programs should email completed packages no later 31 Jan 2026 to Ms. Victoria Council at Victoria.Council@cgexchange.org, 757-842-4790, copying Forcecom’s Leadership Development Branch: mailto:HQS-SMB-OfficeofLeadership@uscg.mil

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

Program Manager

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