AI Government Leadership Program Quick Details Location Virtual, Washington, D.C. Duration 18 hours | 6 months Dates April to September 2025 Cost Free Audience Federal GS-14, GS-15 and SES (or equivalents), and state and local government executives For more information, contact: Jennifer Benbow jbenbow@ourpublicservice.org (202) 495–3339 AI Government Leadership Program Artificial intelligence has the potential to improve how government works—more so than any other recent technological innovation. From increasing efficiency to finding data insights that enhance the customer experience, AI is an invaluable tool for government leaders to serve the public and transform their agencies. But to capitalize on these benefits, leaders must understand AI fundamentals and how to use AI effectively. With support from Microsoft and Google.org, we are creating a cohort of senior leaders across government who are prepared to guide their agencies’ AI strategy. This program is designed to: Educate agency decision-makers on the opportunities around AI. Highlight best practices for how to make the case for and develop AI solutions. Prepare leaders to incorporate AI technology into their strategies and equip their workforce. The Partnership has extensive experience delivering leadership development programs that support government employees at all levels. Building on our success running the program for federal audiences, we are also offering this program to executives at the state and local government levels. This program is offered at no cost to: GS-14 and GS-15 federal employees Federal Senior Executive Service members and SES equivalents State and local government executives Federal employees apply here State and local government executives apply here Application deadline: Federal government applicants: Friday, March 14, at 5 p.m. EDT State/local government applicants: Friday, March 21, at 5 p.m. EDT Sign up for email updates to learn more about this program How to Apply We have high standards for our participants and acceptance into the program is competitive. We evaluate applications based on numerous criteria to ensure that individuals selected will actively engage with the program. There are two separate applications—one for federal employees and one for state and local government employees. Please complete the correct application to guarantee consideration for acceptance to the program. Completed applications must include your personal information, professional experience and objectives. Please note, many agencies have specific application guidelines for their employees. Before submitting your application, please make sure that you are following your agency’s internal guidelines and that you have permission from your agency’s leadership to participate in this program. If you have further questions, please see the FAQ section. 96% of participants agree that the program led them to have a greater understanding of how to responsibly leverage AI. We have engaged more than 500 federal senior executives from over 50 agencies. “The sessions provided valuable lessons to navigate through the complex federal bureaucracy to implement solutions.” —Former participant Program Overview Participants have the option to attend the full AI Government Leadership program either in person or virtually. Both formats will be delivered by highly experienced executive coach facilitators who use research-supported methods to help participants learn and expand their skill sets. The program’s cohort-based structure is essential to our goal of prioritizing learning. We ask that applicants make the choice to attend either in-person or virtually so we can create cohorts accordingly and allow groups to remain together for the duration of the program. Please note that participants will not be permitted to switch between attendance formats during the program. Applicants who live in the Washington, D.C., metro area are highly encouraged to join the in-person program, as out-of-state applicants are prioritized for acceptance to the virtual cohorts. Program Structure Cohort-based learning: Participants are placed in cohorts of 25-30 government leaders led by an experienced executive coach. Sessions: The program consists of six half-day sessions presented monthly over the course of six months. Each session is three hours long, with all in-person cohort sessions held from 9 a.m. to noon EST and virtual cohort sessions held from 1 to 4 p.m. EST Select in-person sessions are followed by an optional but encouraged one-hour networking lunch. The program also includes a one-hour virtual orientation session. Virtual participation will take place via Zoom for Government. Office Hours: In between select sessions, the program offers virtual office hours with subject matter experts and cohort coaches conducted via Zoom for Government. This provides space for participants to ask more technical questions, discuss their progress and stay connected. Program Components Pre-work and resources: Each session comes with limited assigned pre-work (an article, video, etc.) and encouraged optional resources to set you up for success in session. Spotlight speakers: Most sessions feature a presentation from a guest speaker with expertise on that day’s topic. Applied use case project: Participants apply their learning to real-world business challenges at their agencies and develop an actionable roadmap for leading change via an AI solution. Networking: Throughout the program, participants can develop working relationships with peers across government. By joining a community of leaders from different agencies, participants learn from and with like-minded individuals who are working to drive innovation. Program Dates Orientation Thursday, April 8(Virtual for all participants) Session 1: AI fundamentals Thursday, April 17 Provide an overview of AI, including its strengths and pitfalls Relate mission outcomes to AI opportunities Establish an AI community of practice among government senior leaders Session 2: Designing AI strategy Thursday, May 22 Review the components of a successful AI strategy Consider how AI could transform agency processes Explore how AI can be used to further agency mission Session 3: Fostering an AI-ready culture Wednesday, June 18 Understand the importance of culture and its implications Determine how to start creating champions for AI within your agency Identify methods of effectively leading change and managing risk while building an AI-ready culture Session 4: Establishing AI governance Wednesday, July 16 Explore principles of AI governance Develop guiding processes for AI governance structure Discuss differences and similarities in governance across agencies Session 5: Responsibly leading AI Thursday, Aug. 14 Recognize AI’s risks and your role in mitigating those risks Establish principles for the responsible use of AI Session 6: The future of AI in government Thursday, Sept. 4 Communicate AI’s potential to positively impact the public good Synthesize learning from the program Create an accountability plan as a commitment to action Executive Coaches Once accepted into the program, each participant will be assigned to a cohort led by an executive coach. Our executive coaching team is dedicated to helping participants reach their leadership goals. Our coaches possess a common set of core qualifications and bring wide-ranging backgrounds, global perspectives and training styles to the AI Government Leadership Program. Many are former federal leaders from a wide variety of agencies, and all have extensive experience in executive leadership coaching, organizational development, and training and facilitation in the public sector. “I really appreciated being a part of the AI Federal Leadership Cohort. I learned a lot from the exposure to the topic and loved the insight I gained from experts and other federal executive colleagues about the relevant issues involved in developing AI projects and products. I am grateful for the investment made to convene us and ignite conversations about possibilities.” —Former participant Staff Partnership staff will work with you throughout the AI Federal Leadership Program to ensure that your experience goes smoothly. FAQs Q: Who is eligible to apply? The AI Government Leadership Program is designed for GS-14 and GS-15 federal employees, members of the Senior Executive Service or equivalents and state and local government executives. A participant does not need to have technical AI knowledge. Q: What application materials must I provide to be eligible? With your online application, you may be required to submit a supervisor endorsement form. If that’s the case, you’ll find a link to this form within the online application. Q: How will I know if I’m accepted? The Partnership for Public Service accepts applicants on a rolling basis until the application deadline. You will receive an email from enroll@ourpublicservice.org notifying you of your acceptance status within three days after the application deadline, if not earlier. If we have an agreement with your agency to accept you as part of an internal selection process, you will probably receive notice from your agency first, but your acceptance is not confirmed until you have received a notification from the Partnership. Q: Can I reapply if I am not accepted into the program? Yes, you may reapply if you meet the program’s minimum qualifications. Q: Is there an application fee? No. There is no fee to apply to the Partnership’s programs. Q: How much is tuition? There is no cost to attend the AI Government Leadership Program. Q: Where will sessions take place? Participants in the AI Federal Leadership program will choose to participate in the full program either virtually or in-person. All in-person sessions will take place at the Partnership for Public Service offices in Washington, D.C., and applicants who live in the D.C., metro area are highly encouraged to join the in-person program. Zoom for Government is the platform used for virtual participants. Q: What should I do if I have to miss parts of a session or an entire session? Do you offer make-up sessions? Graduation from Partnership programs is contingent upon full attendance and participation in our training sessions. In the event of a conflict, please notify a Partnership staff member as soon as possible, even before the first session is held. Should you miss any part of a session, we will work with you to provide resources for the missed content. Q: Who should I contact if I have more questions about this program? If you have additional questions, please contact Jennifer Benbow at jbenbow@ourpublicservice.org or call (202) 495-3339. Back to course catalog
