# Grants Federal Personnel Certificate Program (Self-Paced)

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/certificates/grants-federal-personnel-certificate-program-self-paced>

## Overview

This certificate develops the skills federal grant professionals need to design, structure, and oversee federal assistance programs using risk-based and performance-focused approaches. Participants explore how program design, pre-award risk assessment, and award structuring decisions influence downstream performance, monitoring, and compliance outcomes. The program examines how to translate statutory intent into grant program design, evaluate recipient and program risk before funds are awarded, and negotiate award terms and special conditions that protect federal interests.

Participants also learn how to monitor cooperative agreements, assess program performance using outcomes and results management practices, and respond to compliance or performance concerns with defensible oversight actions. By completing this certificate, learners gain the practical knowledge needed to design effective grant programs, align oversight with risk, and manage federal assistance in a way that withstands regulatory, audit, and policy scrutiny.

## What you'll learn

- Explain how federal grant program design decisions influence risk, oversight requirements, and long-term program outcomes.
- Apply pre-award risk assessment methods to evaluate financial, programmatic, compliance, and organizational capacity risks.
- Structure federal awards and special conditions that align funding decisions with documented risk assessments.
- Interpret statutory authority, policy guidance, and regulatory requirements when designing or managing federal assistance programs.
- Differentiate outputs, outcomes, and impact measures when evaluating grant program performance.
- Design monitoring strategies that align oversight activities with program risk and performance indicators.
- Manage cooperative agreements by balancing collaboration, oversight responsibilities, and regulatory expectations.
- Document grant decisions, monitoring actions, and award structures in ways that support defensible oversight and audit readiness.

## Curriculum
1. **Monitoring, Performance, and Compliance Oversight Course (Self-Paced)**
2. **Monitoring and Managing Cooperative Agreements Course (Self-Paced)**
3. **Grant Performance, Outcomes, and Results Management Course (Self-Paced)**
4. **Program Design and Risk Assessment Course (Self-Paced)**
5. **Pre-Award Risk Assessment and Award Structuring Course (Self-Paced)**
6. **Negotiating Award Terms and Special Conditions Course (Self-Paced)**
7. **AI for Federal Grants Management Course (Self-Paced)**
8. **Federal Grant Law and Policy Framework (Self-Paced)**
9. **Developing a Federal Grant Application Course (Self-Paced)**
10. **Developing and Negotiating Indirect Cost Rates Course (Self-Paced)**
11. **Detecting and Preventing Federal Grant Fraud Course (Self-Paced)**
12. **Internal Control for Grants Course (Self-Paced)**
13. **Auditing Grants Course (Self-Paced)**

## Instructors

### Seitu Stephens, J.D. — Instructor

Seitu I. Stephens, J.D., is a nationally recognized trainer and consultant in federal grants management, compliance, and program oversight. With more than two decades of experience working with federal, state, territorial, and nonprofit organizations, he specializes in helping agencies and grant recipients design, manage, and monitor federally funded programs in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (2 CFR 200).

Mr. Stephens has trained hundreds of grant professionals across government agencies, community-based organizations, and institutions of higher education. His instruction focuses on practical strategies for managing federal awards, structuring and monitoring subawards, ensuring financial accountability, preparing for audits, and strengthening internal controls to protect federal funds and program outcomes.

He has developed and delivered numerous professional development courses on topics including grant program design, risk assessment, subrecipient monitoring, procurement under federal awards, and audit preparation. His courses combine regulatory expertise with real-world case studies that help participants translate complex federal requirements into effective operational practices.

In addition to his training work, Mr. Stephens advises organizations on strengthening grant management systems, improving compliance frameworks, and building sustainable partnerships between government agencies and community-based organizations.

Mr. Stephens holds a Juris Doctor degree and is widely respected for his engaging instructional style and his ability to make complex federal grant regulations clear, practical, and actionable for practitioners.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $4499