Structured leadership training for federal employees at every career stage, from aspiring leaders to senior executives.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Since 1921, Graduate School USA has partnered with over 125 federal agencies and trained more than one million federal employees. Led by instructors with deep, real-world knowledge of federal regulations, policies, and practices, our private group programs are practical, mission-driven, and tailored to your agency’s objectives. We offer expertise across key federal domains—including human resources, financial management, acquisition and contracting, leadership, and more—to deliver training where and how your team needs it.
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Our alumni consistently commend the expertise of our instructors and the real-world relevance of our programs. Their feedback highlights how Graduate School USA training has advanced their skills, supported their agencies’ missions, and fostered long-term professional growth.
The instructor was very helpful, supportive, and engaging. The course was very well worth the time.
Joseph S.
This course genuinely changed my perspective in life and I'm a better person because of it. One cannot put a price on that. Thank you.
Andrea Clemensen
ELP reinforced that leadership is a continuous learning process. It encouraged me to seek feedback, reflect on my experiences, and remain open to growth. I no longer see leadership as a position to attain, but as a mindset to practice daily, a mindset rooted in accountability, empathy, and purposeful action.
Attronese Olagbaiye
One of my favorite experiences in the Executive Leadership Program was interviewing the mayor of my city, which pushed me far outside of my comfort zone and reminded me that growth begins with courage. I also had the opportunity to interview four incredible women in leadership whose personal stories inspired me to be not only be a stronger leader, but also more confident in who I am and how I lead. These experiences will stay with me long after the program ends. Thank you for an amazing opportunity!
Marketia Davis
I learned a lot during ELP. It was great to work in a team and to have so many activities to complete during the program. The experience of arranging and scheduling these activities taught me to take ownership over my leadership journey. Most of the instructors were great and Heather, the program coordinator, was responsive and offered helpful advice.
V. R.
Overall, ELP provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge and professional development. The class exposed me to various leadership styles and significantly enhanced my professional development. I would recommend ELP to anyone who is interested in professional development or holding a leadership position within their career.
Alesha R.
The instructors are very knowledgeable and prepared for each class session. They engaged with the classes, even though the classes were virtual for the most part.
Jennifer T.
My overall experience has been eye-opening and rewarding. I have gained a wealth of knowledge about leadership, and have met new people during my journey. While the shutdown delayed the completion of a few assignments, the Graduate School USA staff have all been supportive and understanding during these challenging times.
Jasmine G.
I learned a lot about myself in this course. Being a leader was always in me, this class taught me that I just needed help navigating my way to it.
Tinika Blue
I'm so glad that I joined the ELP. The course challenged me like I have never been challenged before. It made me a much better leader and I have learned so much that I can share with my agency and others.
Valerie Stroy
The course allowed us to meet teammates in different sectors of the government. It is self-paced and the participants get out of the program what they put into it.
Sameerah Anderson
Very good teachers that provided a wealth of knowledge. Given the issues that started to occur with the government during this cohort, the Grad School did a phenomenal job in pivoting to keep it going and working with participants to see them through to the end.
Kyra Wooden
The Executive Leadership Program provided an invaluable journey in leadership development that strengthened my ability to lead people effectively. Through carefully curated competency-based activities that built upon each other, I was able to expand my knowledge, gain practical experience, develop a network of contemporaries, and learn to increase my impact as a mid-level leader; the focus of "leading people” proved applicable to many daily responsibilities, and the totality of work created a comprehensive framework for understanding and practicing effective leadership. I’m particularly grateful for Heather Murphy Capps’s exceptional coordination throughout the program, and I highly recommend ELP to any GS-11 to GS-13 employee seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and prepare for greater responsibilities within their respective department.
Jaysen Lippoldt
I had a great experience with the program. Though there were difficult times throughout these last 9 months, its great to feel accomplished after completing the program.
Anthony T.
ELP was one of the best training/development experiences I've had in my government career. My mentor told me to use it like a golden ticket and seek out experiences that I'm interested in. I met some incredible people within my team and was able to experience things I never thought I'd be able to do. I interviewed high-level executives, shadowed interesting people, and went on an eight-week long developmental assignment to put my leadership skills to practice. I would highly recommend this course.
Kelsey Wolfinger
Overall, my experience in the Executive Leadership Program has been both challenging and rewarding. It pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, think more strategically, and reflect on my leadership style in real-world situations. Through team projects, interviews with senior leaders, and self-assessments, I gained a deeper understanding of how effective leadership shows up in practice, not just theory. The program strengthened my confidence, communication skills, and commitment to continuous growth as a leader.
Jasmine Andrews
The Executive Leadership Program was a positive and rewarding experience that provided valuable and practical knowledge. The content and instruction will have a lasting impact on my professional development.
Martha DeLaPaz
My overall experience with ELP was amazing. You never know who is watching you as a leader, which is why your smallest actions often matter the most.
Andrew Rood
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the course. Graduate School did a great job, given what was going on with the shutdowns.
Michael C.
Ms. Ingram's lecture on change management was presented in a mixed media format which I find very helpful and engaging. The graphics and short videos that were shared really helped to solidify the lessons. At the end of this class, I had an entire change management toolkit that I intend to put to use immediately.
Darbye Rivera
She is informative, and I like the subject.
Hussein A.
Very engaging.
Jacob B.
Our Long Term Leadership Development Program are rated 4.5 stars by 35 students
This course genuinely changed my perspective in life and I'm a better person because of it. One cannot put a price on that. Thank you.
ELP reinforced that leadership is a continuous learning process. It encouraged me to seek feedback, reflect on my experiences, and remain open to growth. I no longer see leadership as a position to attain, but as a mindset to practice daily, a mindset rooted in accountability, empathy, and purposeful action.
One of my favorite experiences in the Executive Leadership Program was interviewing the mayor of my city, which pushed me far outside of my comfort zone and reminded me that growth begins with courage. I also had the opportunity to interview four incredible women in leadership whose personal stories inspired me to be not only be a stronger leader, but also more confident in who I am and how I lead. These experiences will stay with me long after the program ends. Thank you for an amazing opportunity!
I learned a lot during ELP. It was great to work in a team and to have so many activities to complete during the program. The experience of arranging and scheduling these activities taught me to take ownership over my leadership journey. Most of the instructors were great and Heather, the program coordinator, was responsive and offered helpful advice.
Overall, ELP provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge and professional development. The class exposed me to various leadership styles and significantly enhanced my professional development. I would recommend ELP to anyone who is interested in professional development or holding a leadership position within their career.
The instructors are very knowledgeable and prepared for each class session. They engaged with the classes, even though the classes were virtual for the most part.
My overall experience has been eye-opening and rewarding. I have gained a wealth of knowledge about leadership, and have met new people during my journey. While the shutdown delayed the completion of a few assignments, the Graduate School USA staff have all been supportive and understanding during these challenging times.
The Executive Leadership Program was a positive and rewarding experience that provided valuable and practical knowledge. The content and instruction will have a lasting impact on my professional development.
I learned a lot about myself in this course. Being a leader was always in me, this class taught me that I just needed help navigating my way to it.
I'm so glad that I joined the ELP. The course challenged me like I have never been challenged before. It made me a much better leader and I have learned so much that I can share with my agency and others.
My overall experience with ELP was amazing. You never know who is watching you as a leader, which is why your smallest actions often matter the most.
The instructor was very helpful, supportive, and engaging. The course was very well worth the time.
The course allowed us to meet teammates in different sectors of the government. It is self-paced and the participants get out of the program what they put into it.
The Executive Leadership Program provided an invaluable journey in leadership development that strengthened my ability to lead people effectively. Through carefully curated competency-based activities that built upon each other, I was able to expand my knowledge, gain practical experience, develop a network of contemporaries, and learn to increase my impact as a mid-level leader; the focus of "leading people” proved applicable to many daily responsibilities, and the totality of work created a comprehensive framework for understanding and practicing effective leadership. I’m particularly grateful for Heather Murphy Capps’s exceptional coordination throughout the program, and I highly recommend ELP to any GS-11 to GS-13 employee seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities and prepare for greater responsibilities within their respective department.
I had a great experience with the program. Though there were difficult times throughout these last 9 months, its great to feel accomplished after completing the program.
ELP was one of the best training/development experiences I've had in my government career. My mentor told me to use it like a golden ticket and seek out experiences that I'm interested in. I met some incredible people within my team and was able to experience things I never thought I'd be able to do. I interviewed high-level executives, shadowed interesting people, and went on an eight-week long developmental assignment to put my leadership skills to practice. I would highly recommend this course.
Overall, my experience in the Executive Leadership Program has been both challenging and rewarding. It pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, think more strategically, and reflect on my leadership style in real-world situations. Through team projects, interviews with senior leaders, and self-assessments, I gained a deeper understanding of how effective leadership shows up in practice, not just theory. The program strengthened my confidence, communication skills, and commitment to continuous growth as a leader.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the course. Graduate School did a great job, given what was going on with the shutdowns.
Ms. Ingram's lecture on change management was presented in a mixed media format which I find very helpful and engaging. The graphics and short videos that were shared really helped to solidify the lessons. At the end of this class, I had an entire change management toolkit that I intend to put to use immediately.
She is informative, and I like the subject.
Very engaging.
Very good teachers that provided a wealth of knowledge. Given the issues that started to occur with the government during this cohort, the Grad School did a phenomenal job in pivoting to keep it going and working with participants to see them through to the end.
Thank you to you and to the Graduate School USA for a fantastic Executive Leadership Program.
This week has been one of my most memorable in my career. I have lucked out so much since starting ELP, and I have chosen the best supervisor for this assignment. I’m so glad I chose to do ELP, and this opportunity was allowed.
Professionally and personally, NLP has been the catalyst for my soul. It has opened my eyes to what I can be. Professionally, it has given me an opportunity to network with other individuals and agencies. Personally, my daughter has noticed that I am more confident and sure of myself.
Showing 25 of 46 reviews
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All times are listed in Eastern Time unless otherwise specified.
| April 2026 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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April 20–June 5
Monday to Friday
9–4:30pm
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$2,995
10 Days
|
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. |
|
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Apr 27, 2026–Apr 30, 2027
Monday to Friday
9–4:30pm
|
$8,350
20 Days
|
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. |
|
| May 2026 | |||
|
May 4–February 5
Monday to Friday
9–4:30pm
|
$5,975
20 Days
|
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. |
|
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May 11–October 9
Monday to Friday
9–4:30pm
|
$4,175
15 Days
|
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. |
|
| August 2026 | |||
|
August 10–February 26
Monday to Friday
9–4:30pm
|
$4,175
15 Days
|
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. |
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Showing 5 of 9 courses
