FAQs
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: The Preparing to Lead Program is designed for federal employees at the GS-7 to GS-11 levels.
Q: What application materials must I provide to be eligible?
A: You are required to submit a copy of your resume with all your professional work experience, both inside and outside of government. You must also submit a supervisor approval form.
Q: How will I know if I’m accepted?
A: The Partnership will send you an email notifying you of your acceptance status within a week after the application deadline.
Q: I’m no longer able to attend, will I receive a refund?
A: If you have participated in one or more sessions, we will determine whether a credit or partial refund is appropriate on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Can I reapply if I am not accepted into the program?
A: Yes, you are able to reapply as long as you meet the program’s minimum qualifications.
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: No.
Q: How much is tuition?
A: Tuition is $3,500 and covers all course materials, including articles and management tools; online collaboration tools for team projects; and access to the Partnership’s resources, expertise and networks.
Q: When is the tuition deadline, and what are the options for tuition payment?
A: Pay should be arranged prior to the first session (the specific date will be provided in the first program communication to accepted applicants). Your agency is responsible for paying tuition. We do not accept payment from individual applicants.
We accept the following forms of payment: credit card (Visa, MasterCard or American Express), purchase order or Standard Form 182 (SF-182). The Tuition Form will provide instructions to request a purchase order that can be paid by your agency through Automated Clearing House transfer or check.
We will work directly with an agency contact—such as a training coordinator or human resources specialist—who is responsible for paying tuition, and we will need you to provide us with a contact’s name, email and phone number. Requests for tuition status updates should go through that contact.
You are committed to paying the full tuition once you begin the program.
Q: What should I do if I have to miss parts of a session or an entire session? Do you offer make-up sessions?
A: Participants can make up a session the next time the program is offered.
Q: Where will the sessions take place?
A: All classroom sessions will take place online.