Program Description
The Aspiring Leaders Program (ALP) is a two-month 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 6 level, or those who possess an equivalent classification in a Wage Grade series or in the private sector.
With a focus on the Fundamental Competencies: Interpersonal Skills, Written Communication, Oral Communication, Integrity/Honesty, Continual Learning, and Public Service Motivation, the program’s theme is “Leadership Foundations.” The program gives high-potential individuals the confidence and training they need to set and meet personal and professional goals, expand their network, and broaden their experience.
Designed for professionals who desire a better understanding of leadership and the intent to take charge of their career, the ALP curriculum challenges participants to increase the capacity of their current skills, knowledge, and awareness.
Key Objectives of the ALP Program Include:
- Assess and identify current skills and competencies to improve performance.
- Develop a plan outlining individual career development goals.
- Identify barriers and strategies for overcoming challenges.
- Create a personal framework for practicing leadership.
- Provide participants with foundational leadership skills.
We Have Updated Our 2023 Aspiring Leader Program Schedule.
| Program | Session | Dates | Year | Application Deadline | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALP 2023-1 | Week I | Apr 17 - 21 | 2023 | When filled | Washington, DC* |
| ALP 2023-1 | Week II | May 22 - 26 | 2023 | When filled | Washington, DC* |
| Program | Session | Dates | Year | Application Deadline | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALP 2023-2 | Week I | Oct 30 - Nov 3 | 2023 | When filled | Virtual |
| ALP 2023-2 | Week II | Dec 4 - 8 | 2023 | When filled | Virtual |
*Modalities and Locations are subject to change
The Aspiring Leaders Program is strategically designed around three program components; assessment, experiential learning and individual development.
Individual Development – Participants are taught the importance of effective career management and are required to create a career development that they will present to the class.
Assessments – Participants take the True Colors® assessment that gives them a better understanding of themselves and others. Using this knowledge, participants create career strategies to expand their professional and personal development.
Experiential Learning – Participants engage in activities that challenge them to ask questions, explore the world around them, and develop skills.
In order to complete the program, participants are required to attend both weeks of training and complete bridge assignments between the first and second weeks of training.
Participants in the ALP benefit because they:
- Learn about the fundamental competencies of leadership and the importance of a leadership mindset
- Work with others across disciplines and agencies
- Develop strategies for career development that expand professional and personal development
- Gain insight into motivating factors that spur public service participation and one’s own interests and skills
- Develop a network of peers they can continue to rely on for support
Organizations benefit from sending their employees to the ALP because they:
- Demonstrate their commitment to professional development
- Reinforce the importance of continual learning
- Gain employees who have been provided the skills and tools to advance their careers
Is this Program for You?
This program is for you if you are eager to learn the foundational skills to enhance your professional capabilities, develop skills to achieve personal success, want to grow in your career but need guidance on what steps are required to make it happen and need assistance in creating your personal brand.
Next Steps
Participants in the program are nominated by their agencies based on their leadership potential, or they apply directly with the support of their agency based on their personal developmental objectives. Employers can expect that participants in the program will be away from their positions for two weeks.
* Participants can expect to work on individual and team activities outside the training sessions.
Eligibility of completion from the Aspiring Leader Program requires participants to finish all program components, attend all training sessions, and participate in all aspects of the program — NO exceptions. Please consider these requirements carefully before submitting an application.
Take Action
- For more information about this program please call the Center for Leadership and Management at 202.314.3580 or email [email protected].
- To learn more about the Center for Leadership and Management, to request a visit from us, or to order assessments or other services, please contact us at [email protected].
- View upcoming schedules and/or apply to this program
(*) Additional time away from the participant’s position may be required to complete other program requirements.