Leadership starts before the first supervisory role
A six-week cohort that gives early-career federal employees the foundations, the confidence, and a career plan they present to their peers.
Trusted across the federal government
Agency seals reflect organizations Graduate School USA has trained. They do not imply endorsement by, or affiliation with, any federal agency.
ALP: the leadership foundations rung of the continuum
The Aspiring Leader Program is the entry rung of the CLM leadership continuum. It prepares high-potential employees for leadership and professional growth before they ever supervise, and it is built on OPM's six Fundamental Competencies: interpersonal skills, written communication, oral communication, integrity and honesty, continual learning, and public service motivation.
What the program actually contains
Every program is competency-based and cohort-based. Participants stay in their jobs, apply what they learn as they go, and finish with a portfolio of real work rather than a certificate alone.
Two weeks of live training, six weeks end to end
Ten days of live, project-based online instruction delivered across two training weeks, with bridge assignments completed in between.
Module 1: Setting the Stage for Career Growth
A personalized Career Blueprint, fundamentals of writing, presentation skills, and professional presence.
Module 2: Leadership Skills for Long-Term Success
Interpersonal communication techniques, workplace conflict resolution, and fostering a results-driven culture.
True Colors assessment
Participants learn to read themselves and others, then turn that insight into a concrete career strategy.
Six one-on-one mentoring sessions
Held outside of class: review portfolio work with an expert, work through hard concepts, polish a resume and LinkedIn profile, and get advice on applying for federal roles.
Career Portfolio presentation
Each participant creates a career development plan and presents it to the class, the culminating deliverable of the program.
What your employee brings back
Graduates return with work product and relationships, not just a completion record.
A career development plan, presented and peer-tested
A Career Portfolio that articulates skills, experience, and values
A verified digital certificate of completion
6.0 CEUs
A free retake of the class within one year
What graduates say
Every quote below is verbatim from a Graduate School USA program page.
It was through the program that I recognized the next steps in my leadership journey. An opportunity came up that I applied for, and it was announced today that I got the job. I just want to thank you and the program for helping to guide me down the leadership path.
The Career Portfolio Presentation incredibly helped me articulate my professional journey and aspirations. I learned how to craft a narrative that highlights my skills, experiences, and values. Practicing in a supportive environment allowed me to build confidence in my presentation abilities.
This course will absolutely help me to move forward in my Federal Government career. I feel confident that I will land my next role after taking this class.
Who should attend
Up to GS 7 or equivalent. Applicants apply with supervisor and training coordinator approval.
Early-career employees who are ready to grow but unsure what the next step requires
High performers you want to retain and visibly invest in
Employees who need to build a professional presence and a personal brand
Anyone preparing to compete for their first leadership role
Cohorts, tuition, and how to enroll
Tuition covers all materials and is due before the class starts. An installment plan is available. Agencies typically fund enrollment with an SF-182 or a government purchase card.
October 19 to November 20, 2026
Delivered live online, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm Eastern. Contact CLM to confirm the current cohort calendar and remaining seats.
Ask about this cohort$2,995
Covers all materials. An installment plan is available, beginning with a 10 percent non-refundable deposit.
Ask about funding6.0 CEUs
A verified digital certificate of completion from Graduate School USA, an ACCET-accredited institution.
Ask about the credentialVetted procurement, right from the GSA Schedule
Graduate School USA is a GSA Multiple Award Schedule contract holder, allowing federal agencies and other qualifying organizations to confidently purchase our services.
- GSA MAS contract 47QRAA24D004K, SINs 611430 (professional training) and 541611 (management/administrative consulting)
- Held as American Public Training LLC d/b/a Graduate School USA; UEI LA83MCFN1ST3; CAGE 99AA0
- We work with your training office on the paperwork, whether a Schedule order, purchase order, or an SF-182.
A century of developing the federal workforce
Graduate School USA was established by the Secretary of Agriculture in 1921. In 1995 the Office of Personnel Management transferred eight of its training centers to the school, and the Center for Leadership and Management was created. CLM has trained more than 10,000 emerging federal leaders since.
- Founded 1921 as the USDA Graduate School; 500,000+ government employees trained across 125+ agencies
- ACCET-accredited (ACCET is a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor)
- Center for Leadership and Management runs ECQ-aligned executive development, including the Executive Potential Program since 1995
- 200+ federally experienced subject-matter experts across 400+ courses and certificates
- Available on an active GSA MAS Schedule (SINs 611430 and 541611)
Questions agencies ask
The answers training officers and program directors ask for most, in one place.
Does the participant keep working during the program?
Who secures the developmental assignment?
How do we pay for it?
Can you run a cohort just for our agency?
How does my agency buy training from Graduate School USA?
Can courses be tailored to our agency?
Can training be delivered virtually or in person?
Talk to the Center for Leadership and Management
Tell us the levels you need to develop, how many people, and your timeline. We will map them to the right program and cohort, and answer questions about funding and the SF-182.