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About the Course

This innovative leadership development program provides Pennsylvania State Government senior leaders the opportunity to further develop their leadership abilities to succeed at the highest levels. Developed through a collaboration between Alvernia University, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, and the Governor’s Office of Administration, this unique program gives participants the opportunity to enhance their understanding of PA state government culture and to learn strategies and management techniques applicable to the unique challenges government leaders face.
The program offers:
  • Mentorship & networking opportunities
  • Discussions on prevailing PA state government opportunities, issues and concerns
  • Leadership skills assessment

Qualifications

This course is intended for the senior leaders in Pennsylvania state government, including agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction as well as independent executive agencies.  Ideally, applicants should be direct reports to the agency/organization head, dual reports to the agency and the Governor’s Office or those aspiring agency to those positions.

Learning Methods

The program curriculum is based around case studies, team projects, role playing and scenario planning. Classes offer a “safe space” for senior leaders to discuss issues they may face in their positions while promoting inter-organizational collaboration.

Preparation

To prepare for the Leadership Development Program, each participant will:

  • Take a Personality Inventory
  • Take a Leadership Skills Assessment
  • Provide a short Personal Biography
  • Identify one cross-organizational issue with which they have been involved.

Coaching & Mentoring

Program participants are divided in teams. Each team is assigned a mentor/coach. The mentor/coach meets (in-person and/or virtually) with the team at least once collectively and at least once with each program participant individually.  Coaching session dates, times, and locations will be determined between the assigned mentees and coach.

Class Attendance Policy

Attendance at a minimum of 90% of the sessions is required in order to receive a certificate of completion of the program.

Certification of Completion

Awarding of a certificate of completion will be based on a pass-fail assessment of the program’s curriculum, attendance, and class requirements.

Materials

The following materials are included in the cost of the course:

  • PDF versions of slides presented (when available)
  • Speaker bios (when available)
  • Access to the session recording links

Program Tuition Fee

2023-2024 Program Tuition Fee* per person:

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: $2,500

*Tuition fee is not required at time of application; applicants that are accepted into the program will be provided with an invoice shortly after notification of acceptance.

Application Process

Application Deadline: Friday, September 29, 2023

Candidate Application

Candidates will complete an application form to present their learning goals, past experiences, expertise, and knowledge they will bring to the cohort for consideration.  [CLICK ON “APPLY NOW” AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE]

Required: Letter of Support/Recommendation
A letter of support/recommendation is also required from the candidate’s agency/organization head or senior leader.

Candidates should provide the following information to their agency/organization head or senior leader for letter submission:

The letter should include current position and responsibilities of the applicant, along with skills, knowledge, and any special projects for which the applicant is responsible.

The letter should be addressed to “LDP Directors” and emailed to ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu with the subject line as, “LDP Nomination Letter for [YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME]”

Note: Your application will not be considered complete until your letter of support/recommendation has been received. 

Acceptance Notification

Applicants will be notified whether they have or have not been accepted into the program. At that time, accepted applicants will receive full course details and information on Orientation.

See the specific deadlines under “Next Cohort” at the bottom of the page.

Now accepting applications for the Fall, 2024 cohort

2024 Fall Cohort Schedule

Module #/Topic*
Date
Time
Orientation
Tuesday, August 27 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Module 1 – Leadership vs. Management
Tuesday, September 10 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Module 2 – Effective Communications & Citizen Centric
Tuesday, September 14 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Module 3 – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Tuesday, October 8 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Module 4 – Negotiations & Conflict Resolution
Tuesday, October 22 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Module 5 – Resilience and Adaptation
Tuesday, November 12 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Module 6 – Leadership in the Digital Age, Innovation, and Partnering with IT
Tuesday, December 3 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Module 7 – Project Success, Project Leadership, Project Management, & Change Management
Tuesday, December 17 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Module 8 – Data-Driven Decision Making, Performance-Based Budgeting / Program Recap Exercise / Graduation Ceremony & Reception
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
*order of module topics subject to change based on speaker availability

Next Cohort – Fall 2024

Format & Location:

All classes will take place in-person at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Class Time:

Breakfast and Networking: 8:00 am – 8:25 am
Class runs from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm

Application Deadline: Friday, August 9, 2024

Application Status/Notification:

On/by: Friday, August 16, 2024

All applicants will be notified of their acceptance or non-acceptance into the program by this date

Contact:

Professional Education – ProfessionalEd@harrisburgu.edu

 

Testimonials

2023 Summer LDP Graduate

“From preparing for the first day of orientation, completing the personality and bias assessment, I learned something about myself and how it relates to my leadership perspective.  At the end of this program, I now look back on the personality and bias assessments and realize that I need to recognize and appreciate the personalities and potential bias of my team in order to work together successfully.  This entire program has given me several leadership tools to work on as I settle into my new role.”

2023 Summer LDP Graduate

“LDP taught me not only skills about leadership vs. management, resilience and an adaptation and conflict resolution – it taught me about leadership and growth.”

2023 Summer LDP Graduate

“Going through the program, it provided tools to help assist me in building that within my team.  I appreciate being given the opportunity to be part of the program and look forward to utilizing the tools to become a better leader for my team within my agency and also for myself.”

2023 Summer LDP Graduate

“This program has helped me identify and develop my strengths as a data nerd who likes to try new things, and how I can better contribute to the mission of the Department of Corrections and the Commonwealth as a whole.”

ADA Statement: HU is committed to providing equal education opportunity and full participation for persons with disabilities. It is HU’s policy that no qualified person be excluded from participating in any HU program or activity, be denied the benefits of any HU program or activity, or otherwise be subject to discrimination regarding any HU program or activity. Should you potentially require an accommodation under the ADA to participate in this program, please email ProfessionalEd@HarrisburgU.edu. Please send your request for an accommodation at least 5 business days in advance of the event or program.

326 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17101
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