From Aspiring to Executive: Federal Leadership Development Programs That Advance Your Career

Whether you're early in your federal career or preparing for the Senior Executive Service, Graduate School USA has a leadership development path designed for you.

Join us for a 45-minute overview of four flagship programs — the Aspiring Leader Program, New Leader Program, Executive Leadership Program, and Executive Potential Program — each built around OPM leadership competencies and tailored to specific GS levels. You'll learn how each program combines classroom instruction, 1:1 mentoring, 360-degree assessments, and real-world developmental assignments to build the skills federal agencies need most.

With Spring 2026 cohorts launching in early May, now is the time to explore your options. Backed by 100+ years of training federal professionals across 125+ agencies, Graduate School USA is the trusted partner for your leadership journey.

This session is open to federal employees at all GS levels.

Key Learning Objectives

By the end of this 45-minute session, attendees will be able to:

Identify which leadership development program aligns with their current GS level and career goals — from the 6-week Aspiring Leader Program (up to GS-7) through the 12-month Executive Potential Program (GS 13-15).
Understand the competency-based framework that drives all four programs, including how 360-degree assessments, mentoring, developmental assignments, and shadowing experiences accelerate readiness for the next level.
Recognize how to leverage these programs to build ECQs and position themselves for supervisory, management, and SES-track roles within the federal government.
Learn about registration and the upcoming cohort timelines — including the Spring 2026 cohorts launching in early May and the Fall cohorts launching in August.

What You’ll Learn

Match yourself to the right program — from GS-7 entry level through GS 13-15 executive track.
See how mentoring, assessments, and real-world assignments build the competencies federal agencies need most.
Leave with a clear next step for Spring 2026 enrollment.

Take The Next Step With a Relevant Course

New Leader Program

IDNLED7300
Weekdays only
13 Days
Open to beginners

The New Leader Program (NLP) is a six-month program designed to prepare employees at the GS 7-11 levels 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.

View course

Aspiring Leader Program

IDLEAD7210
Weekdays only
10 Days
Open to beginners
1:1 Mentoring

The Aspiring Leader Program (ALP) 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. The program has a target audience of GS professionals up to the Grade 7 level, or those who possess an equivalent classification in a wage grade series or in the private sector.

View course

Executive Potential Program

IDEPPG8400
Weekdays only
19 Days
Open to beginners
1:1 Mentoring

The Executive Potential Program (EPP) is a 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.

View course

Executive Leadership Program

IDELPG9000
Weekdays only
19 Days
Open to beginners
1:1 Mentoring

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 to GS-13 levels or equivalent. The program theme is "Leading People." The program objectives are to help participants strengthen their knowledge, expand their experience, and increase their impact through a curated selection of competency-based developmental activities.

View course