ELDP IN THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS

ELDP in the US Virgin Islands

Why is the Executive Leadership Development Program Important?

The insular areas have experienced many challenges in developing and retaining qualified, skilled staff. Additionally, many senior leaders and managers in insular governments are expected to retire within the next several years, leaving a potential leadership, managerial and technical capability gap. The insular areas need to establish a pool of staff with potential for promotion into these critical positions and groom them through training programs, special assignments, and systematic mentoring.

What are the Benefits of the ELDP in the U.S. Virgin Islands?

The ELDP offers five major components: formal training, mentoring, various development and reading assignments, and major team project. Each training session will blend technical, managerial, and leadership skills development. Participants will be assigned projects and activities that must be completed between training sessions. These assignments will have practical workplace applications, and they will be monitored closely and evaluated by ELDP instructors.

Who is eligible to participate in the ELDP?

ELDP eligibility criteria are flexible. The selection panel will evaluate applicants based on their:

• Potential for professional development.
• Formal education.
• Likelihood of remaining with the government after the program.
• Commitment to government service and personal growth.

Highly qualified candidates typically:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or have equivalent professional experience.
• Completed a minimum of two years of employment with the insular government before the start of the program.
• Received outstanding performance evaluations for the past two years.
• Received a nomination to the program by the highest-level official in the department and the immediate supervisor.
• Expressed an interest in and demonstrated personal commitment to public service.

How is the Program Structured?

Time Commitment: You must attend four one-week-long training sessions to receive your Certificate of Completion. Sessions will be held one time per quarter in various locations. The dates for the 2025 ELDP virtual class are:

• Session 1 – Self-Discovery | September 16-20, 2024
• Session 2 – Skill Building for ELDP Success | December 16-20, 2024
• Session 3 – Leading at the Next Level | March 10-14, 2025
• Session 4 – Graduation Week | June 9-13, 2025

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 support all the costs related to delivering and administering the program.

How do I Apply for the ELDP USVI 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. ELDP Application Guidelines can be found here.

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, don't hesitate to get in touch with Monique Wedderburn.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 COHORT NOW OPEN! 

Questions? Contact us for more information about the ELDP.