ALCOAST 010/25 - JAN 2025 SOLICITATION FOR FY25 GRADUATE SCHOOL USA LEADERSHIP COURSES AND EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM

R 141300Z JAN 25 MID180001540005U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 010/25
SSIC 1500
SUBJ: SOLICITATION FOR FY25 GRADUATE SCHOOL USA LEADERSHIP COURSES
AND EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM
1. This ALCOAST solicits applicants for the FY25 fellowship programs
offered by Graduate School USA and Partnership in Public Service.
These opportunities are designed to cultivate exceptional leaders
within the Coast Guard and are available to both Civilian and Active
Duty members. Immerse yourself in dynamic learning environments
tailored to enhance your leadership acumen and expand your
professional development.
2. Graduate School USA Courses:
    a. The Aspiring Leader Program (Course Code 500926) is held
virtually. This intensive program is structured to prepare future
public service leaders by strengthening core competencies and
managerial skills essential to the growth and success of individuals
in the GS 4-6 levels. Participants will be required to attend two,
one-week training sessions, and dedicate 3-8 hours per week between
training sessions.
        (1) Eligibility: GS 4-6, Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) NF 2-3,
and equivalent wage grade levels (WG 5-11, WL 1-14, WS 1-8).
        (2) CG Application Deadline: 28 FEB 2025
        (3) Program Duration: Two months, 28 APR 2025 to 13 JUN 2025
        (4) Virtual Session Dates: 28 APR to 2 MAY 2025 and 9 JUN to
13 JUN 2025
    b. The New Leader Program (Course Code: 500917) is held
virtually. This six-month program develops future public service
leaders by providing assessment, experiential learning and
individual development opportunities, and is open to employees who
have high potential for leadership or have recently entered
leadership positions. Individuals should be nominated for this
program based on their potential and motivation to complete all
requirements and participate fully in all components of this
intensive six-month program. Participants will be away from their
primary duties for three, one-week sessions, and should be prepared
to dedicate 4-6 hours per week on assignments between training
sessions.
        (1) Eligibility: GS 7-11, NF 3-4, and equivalent wage grade
levels (WG 10-15, WL 6-14, WS 8-13).
        (2) CG Application Deadline: 28 FEB 2025
        (3) Program Duration: Six months, 11 AUG 2025 to 27 FEB 2026
        (4) Virtual Session Dates: 11 AUG to 15 AUG 2025, 17 NOV to
21 NOV 2025, and 23 FEB to 27 FEB 2026
    c. The Executive Leadership Program (Course Code: 500916) is a
virtual leadership development program designed for mid-level
employees that provides assessment, experiential learning and
individual developmental opportunities, and career planning for
high-potential federal employees to prepare them for future
positions as leaders and managers. This training requires
participants to be away from their positions for a minimum of four,
one-week sessions, and participants should be prepared to spend an
average of 4-6 hours per week outside of sessions to work on class
assignments.
        (1) Eligibility: GS 11-13, wage grade equivalent (WL and WG
10-15), NF 4-5 members who are not supervisors or are new
supervisors with less than one year of supervisory experience.
        (2) CG Application Deadline: 28 FEB 2025
        (3) Program Duration: Nine months, 15 SEP 2025 to 13 JUN 2026
        (4) Virtual Session Dates: 15-19 SEP 2025, 15-19 DEC 2025,
9-13 MAR 2026, and 8-12 JUN 2026
    d. The Executive Potential Program (Course Code: 500915) is a
virtual course. This program provides leadership and managerial
training and development opportunities for employees who have a high
potential to become a future senior Federal manager. The ideal
participants are employees who may be expected to assume
responsibility for programmatic or policy leadership in their
departments or agencies in the near future. Participants should plan
on being away from the unit for four, one-week sessions.
Participants will complete two 60-day developmental rotational
assignments and should plan to spend an average of 20 hours per week
on course work between resident sessions.
        (1) Eligibility: GS 13-15, wage grade equivalent (WS 14-18
and WL-14) members.
        (2) CG Application Deadline: 28 FEB 2025
        (3) Program Duration: 12 months, 15 SEP 2025 to 19 SEP 2026
        (4) Virtual Session Dates: 15-19 SEP 2025, 12-16 JAN 2026,
4-8 MAY 2026, and 14-18 SEP 2026
    e. Units with members applying to GS Graduate School courses are
expected to support their participant in the following manner:
        (1) Help facilitate and support developmental rotational
assignment(s) if applicable - preferably in an area outside of the
member's specialty and command environment.
        (2) Be active in the member's leadership growth - to include
participating in the development of the Leadership Development Plan
(LDP), and shadow assignments. Supervisors should seek to assist
members in finding shadow assignments that will develop and
encourage leadership opportunities with possible advancement
opportunities.
        (3) Support and encourage member participation in the
training program and its extensive requirements.
        (4) Assist the member in completing required training
assignments in a timely manner.
3. Partnership for Public Service:
    a. The Excellence in Government Fellows Program (Course Code
500911) is a blended course, with up to two in-person sessions and
four to five virtual sessions. This program strengthens the
leadership skills of GS 14-15, O-5, and O-6 members through a proven
combination of innovative coursework, best practices benchmarking,
action learning projects, executive coaching, and government-wide
networking. During this 10-month program, fellows remain in their
full-time positions and meet three days every six weeks in person.
This equates to spending a total of 24 days in session. Fellows
will be required to devote up to five hours per week to coursework
and will work in teams to develop a project plan to address and
solve actual agency problems.
        (1) Eligibility: GS 14-15, O-5, and O-6 leaders seeking to
solve national challenges by driving innovation, inspiring
employees, and delivering results (exceptional GS-13s are also
encouraged to apply).
        (2) CG Application Deadline: 28 FEB 2025
        (3) Program Duration: 11 months, 29 APR 2025 to 5 MAR 2026
        (4) Session Dates: 13-16 MAY 2025, 24-27 JUN 2025,
26-29 AUG 2025, 4-7 NOV 2025, 6-9 JAN 2026, 3-5 MAR 2026
4. Application Procedures:
    a. A selection panel will be convened to select the best
qualified candidates for courses listed in paragraphs 1 - 3 above.
Application procedures and course information are available for
individuals interested in applying for these courses at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/Our-Organization/Assistant-Commandant-for-
Human-Resources-CG-1/Civilian-Human-Resources-Diversity-and-Leadersh
ip-Directorate-CG-12/Office-of-Leadership-DCMS-DPR-5/Courses/

    b. All tuition costs and travel to attend convenings for these
courses are funded by COMDT (DCMS-DPR-5), Office of Leadership.
    c. The Coast Guard is committed to providing equal access to
these professional development opportunities for our employees with
disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations, please forward
your request to PERS3 Caitlin Fleming via e-mail.
    d. NAF employees interested in attending leadership courses or
programs should email completed packages no later 21 FEB 25 to Ms.
Victoria Council at Victoria.Council@cgexchange.org, 757-842-4790,
copying COMDT (DCMS-DPR-5), HQS-SMB-OfficeofLeadership@uscg.mil.
5. Questions can be directed to PERS3 Caitlin Fleming, Office of
Leadership (DPR-5), Caitlin.S.Fleming@uscg.mil.
6. Mr. Gary Rasicot, Deputy for Personnel and Readiness
(CG-DCMS-DPR), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.