ALCOAST 047/26 - FEB 2026 SOLICITATION FOR FY26 GRADUATE SCHOOL USA LEADERSHIP COURSES AND EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM

R 061940Z FEB 26 MID320018523856U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 047/26
SSIC 1500
SUBJ: SOLICITATION FOR FY26 GRADUATE SCHOOL USA LEADERSHIP COURSES
AND EXCELLENCE IN GOVERNMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM
1. Force Readiness Command Leadership Development Branch (FC-LDR)
is now accepting applications for the FY26 fellowship programs
offered by Graduate School USA and Partnership for Public Service.
These training opportunities directly support the Coast Guard's
Force Development Framework (FD28) by strengthening leadership
competencies essential for mission readiness.
2. Graduate School USA Courses - open to civilian workforce only:
    a. The Aspiring Leader Program (Course Code 500926) is held
virtually and is a six-week program designed to prepare employees
for leadership and professional growth. Understanding the importance
of planning early in one's career, this program guides participants
to develop a strategy for personal leadership and career
development. 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: 27 FEB 2026
       (3) Program Duration: Two months, 20 APR 2026 to 5 JUN 2026
       (4) Virtual Session Dates: 20-24 APR 2026 and 1-5 JUN 2026
     b. The New Leader Program (Course Code 500917) is held virtually.
This six-month program prepares future public service leaders for
management and leadership positions. The program theme is
"Leading Self". The program objectives are to give motivated
individuals the confidence and training they need to set and meet
personal and professional goals, expand their network, and broaden
their experience. 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: 27 FEB 2026
       (3) Program Duration: Six months, 10 AUG 2026 to 26 FEB 2027
       (4) Virtual Session Dates: 10-14 AUG 2026, 16-20 NOV 2026,
and 22-26 FEB 2027
    c. The Executive Leadership Program (Course Code 500916) is a
virtual 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 Management's
Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) framework and the associated
28 competencies with a concentration on leading people. This
training requires participants to be away from their primary duties
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, equivalent wage-grade levels (WL and
WG 10-15), and 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 2026
       (3) Program Duration: Nine months, 14 SEP 2026 to 11 JUN 2027
       (4) Virtual Session Dates: 14-18 SEP 2026, 14-18 DEC 2026,
8-12 MAR 2027, and 7-11 JUN 2027
    d. The Executive Potential Program (Course Code 500915) is a
virtual 12-month competency-based leadership development program
that provides training and developmental experiences for
high-potential executives at the GS 13-15 levels or equivalent.
The program theme is "Leading Change". The program's objective is to
equip leaders with the information, tools, and experience they need
to serve at the highest levels. The curriculum is focused on the
Office of Personnel Management's ECQ framework with a concentration
on leading change. Participants should plan on being away from their
primary duties for four, one-week sessions. Participants will also
complete two 60-day developmental rotational assignments and should
plan to spend an average of 20 hours per week on course work between
sessions.
       (1) Eligibility: GS 13-15, equivalent wage-grade levels
(WS 14-18 and WL 14-18) members.
       (2) CG Application Deadline: 28 FEB 2026
       (3) Program Duration: 12 months, 14 SEP 2026 to 17 SEP 2027
       (4) Virtual Session Dates: 14-18 SEP 2026, 11-16 JAN 2027,
3-7 MAY 2027, and 13-17 SEP 2027
    e. Units with members applying to GS Graduate School courses are
expected to support their participants 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 (Course Code 500911) is a
virtual course. The programs' are proven, recognized initiatives
focused on building strong public-sector leadership and management,
driven by innovation and focused on results. Over the course of a
year, during which Fellows remain in their full-time jobs, the
programs concentrate on achieving results and delivering powerful
lessons about leadership. This program strengthens the leadership
skills of GS 14-15, and O5-O6 members through a proven combination
of innovative coursework, best practices benchmarking, action
learning projects, executive coaching, and government-wide
networking. During this 11-month program, fellows remain in their
full-time positions and meet for four days every six weeks,
virtually. Students will attend four to five virtual sessions.
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 and O-5-O-6 leaders seeking to solve
national challenges by driving innovation, inspiring employees, and
delivering results. (Exceptional GS-13s are encouraged to apply).
       (2) CG Application Deadline: 28 FEB 2026
       (3) Program Duration: 11 months, 28 APR 2026 to 1 MAR 2027
       (4) Session Dates: 23-26 JUN 2026, 25-28 AUG 2026,
17-20 NOV 2026, 12-15 JAN 2027, 2-4 MAR 2027
4. Application Procedures:
    a. A selection panel will be convened to select the best
qualified candidates for courses listed in paragraphs 2-3 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/Personnel-Service-Center-Civilian-Personnel-
Management-PSC-CPM/Office-of-Leadership-DCMS-DPR-5/Courses/

    b. All applications can be submitted to:
HQS-SMB-OfficeofLeadership@uscg.mil
    c. All tuition costs to attend the courses are funded by FC-LDR.
    d. The Coast Guard is committed to providing equal access to
professional development opportunities for our employees with
disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations, please reach
out to Mr. Kin Szeto via e-mail for assistance.
    e. NAF employees interested in attending leadership courses or
programs should email completed packages no later 13 FEB 2026 to
Ms. Victoria Council at Victoria.Council@cgexchange.org,
757-842-4790, copying FC-LDR.
    f. Additional information on these courses can be found in
link above.
5. Questions can be directed to Mr. Kin Szeto, (571) 607-6039, or
Kin.P.Szeto2@uscg.mil.
6. Ms. J. L. Sinclair, Director, Force Readiness Command (FC-D),
sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.