EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

ELDP Application Details

The Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) was developed in response to the insular areas’ growing concerns for continuity in management and technical expertise as senior leaders retire or leave government service. Here are a few issues for your consideration before applying to the ELDP:

Minimum Qualifications: You must be employed with your government on a full-time basis for the past two calendar years from the date of your application. For example, if you are applying in September 2024 you must have been continuously employed by your government since September 2022. Although a bachelor’s degree is strongly recommended, it is not required. We encourage individuals employed in the areas of finance, accounting, budget, and audit to apply. However, the program is open to all qualified government employees, including semi-autonomous agencies and component units, and diversity in professional experience is considered in the selection process.

Government Support: You must submit a letter of support from your immediate supervisor as part of the application process. The letter should express the supervisor’s recommendation that you be accepted into the program and that he/she will commit to supporting you throughout the year. (All travel expenses are covered by the PITI-VITI project.) Encourage your supervisor to explain how your leadership development will contribute to your organization. Be sure you allow ample time to obtain this important letter of recommendation. Also, please research and follow your government’s protocols and formal guidelines when requesting the letter of commitment from your supervisor.

Time Commitment: You must attend three, one-week-long on-site training sessions, as well as numerous virtual sessions between on-site training sessions, in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. The location and dates for the 2025 ELDP class are TBD.

For on-site training, travel occurs before and after these dates as classes begin early Monday mornings and typically conclude Friday afternoons. Candidates who do not attend the entire week will not be permitted to complete the program. Additionally, you must complete several assignments between sessions that require a significant amount of time. Please review the ELDP Program Description which includes Graduation Requirements, for a more detailed explanation of the ELDP, training dates, inter-session assignments, and requirements that must be met for graduation.

Funding: If you are accepted into the program, the Graduate School USA's Pacific and Virgin Islands Training Initiatives, with support from the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, will fund the costs associated with your travel and participation in the ELDP. It will also fund all costs associated with delivering and administering the program.

Application Process: You must submit five documents to apply for the program. An optional sixth document is permitted if you include a letter of support from an ELDP graduate with your application. A complete list of ELDP graduates is available here.

1. Application Form. [required] Complete the information sheet included in the application download.
2. Letter of Intent. [required] Compose a letter that describes your interest in the program, why you want to develop a career in public service, how you believe the ELDP will contribute to your career, and your commitment to completing the ELDP. Address the letter to the ELDP Selection Committee. Remember, the selection committee carefully considers your Letter of Intent as an indication of your commitment, desire to participate, and interest in serving the government.
3. Letter of Support from Your Supervisor. [required] Your supervisor will play a critical role in ensuring you have time to complete assignments and attend the sessions. He or she must write a letter of support indicating he/she has read the attached Program Description about the ELDP and will support you in this effort. Additionally, the supervisor should describe why you are being recommended for the program and give specific examples of your performance in your current position which indicate your potential for the program and as a future leader in your government.
4. Resume. [required] Submit a resume that includes your formal education, professional positions, and volunteer activities. Use a format of your choice, but do not exceed two pages.
5. Personal Biography. [required] Provide a brief personal biography that is suitable for public release. Biographies for all Prior ELDP Participants are available for review.
6. Optional Letter of Support from an ELDP Graduate. . [optional] You may request an ELDP alumnus to submit a letter in support of your selection. Letters of support should explain the relationship between the ELDP applicant and ELDP graduate, and offer specific examples illustrating why the applicant will succeed in the program and in his/her career.

We will not accept an incomplete application package. All five required items listed above must be included to complete your application process. The Letter of Support from an ELDP Graduate is not required, but will not be considered if submitted after the application closing date.

Applications are currently closed. 

The admissions screening committee is comprised of two representatives from the Pacific and Virgin Islands Training Initiatives of the Graduate School USA. The final selection committee comprises two representatives from PITI-VITI, two representatives from the Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs (DOI-OIA), and one independent reviewer. The committee will strive to create a diverse class that appropriately represents all the insular governments, technical areas, gender, and ethnicity. 

If you have questions, please email [email protected] to reach the Pacific and Virgin Islands Training Initiatives (PITI-VITI) of the Graduate School USA. PITI-VITI can be also reached by calling (808) 523-1650.

You will receive an e-mail notification once your application has been received. If receipt of your application has not been confirmed, or if you have any concerns about the status of your application, please contact [email protected]. Thank you again for your interest in applying to the ELDP. We look forward to receiving your application.