EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Applications are closed.

Applications to the ELDP Class of 2025 are now closed. The deadline was November 1, 2024.

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About the ELDP

• What makes leaders successful in the islands, and what makes islanders successful leaders?
• How do interpersonal relationships contribute to organizational success?
• Which skills should aspiring island leaders cultivate to be successful at work, in their communities, and at home?
• What leadership lessons can be learned from nation-builders, from traditional navigators, and from community leaders?

Attracting and retaining qualified staff to work in critical government positions is among the greatest challenges faced by insular governments. Educated, promising employees are often trained by government only to be offered higher paying jobs in the private sector; others relocate abroad to pursue alternative work opportunities. Talent development and succession planning are routinely identified by government institutions as high-priority needs across the Insular areas.

The Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) was commissioned by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs in 2008 to assist the insular governments with developing and retaining the qualified and skilled staff needed to lead insular governments into the future. Today, the ELDP serves as the premier leadership development program for government employees throughout the U.S. affiliated Pacific Islands. For the past twelve years, the ELDP has provided insular government participants with the skills and strategies they need to lead. Energized by their program experience, the 206 ELDP alumni represent an extraordinary group of Islanders with diverse professional backgrounds, exceptional personal qualities, and an enduring commitment to public service. ELDP alumni represent virtually every government agency, and serve the insular governments as elected representatives, ambassadors, judges, cabinet members, directors, and dedicated public servants.

The program comprises three week-long classroom sessions and a series of virtual developmental and career enhancement sessions between on-site training classes. The program is administered by the Graduate School's Pacific and Virgin Islands Training Initiatives, with funding support from the United States Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs.

Complete information on the Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) can be found in the ELDP Program Description. A list of Frequently Asked Questions is also available on this website.