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KUPMC Emerging Leaders Academy

Emerging Leaders Academy

The KU Public Management Center’s Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) offers a professional development opportunity for promising non-managerial staff to put them on the fast-track for successful public sector careers. In doing so the program benefits not only the attendees, but also offers agencies a powerful succession planning tool. ELA participants gain knowledge and skills in leadership, organizational dynamics, teamwork, and career planning to help them identify and achieve their professional goals while increasing their effectiveness as public servants. Agencies gain a more prepared and engaged talent pool to draw from as they plan for the future.

ELA 2009 Graduation

Who Should Attend


The Emerging Leaders Academy is designed for public servants who show potential for leadership and who want to:
  • Position themselves to move into positions of increasing responsibility within their organizations
  • Meet and learn from experienced practitioners
  • Broaden their scope of understanding of elements crucial to successful careers in public service
  • Identify new ideas they can implement to improve their workplaces
  • Prepare themselves to handle challenges in their departments and organizations
  • Better understand how they can positively influence organizational culture to achieve the agency's mission
  • Prepare themselves to compete for promotional opportunities and to be successful in taking on new responsibilities

Benefits to your agency

  • A prepared "next generation" ready to step up as baby boomers retire
  • Staff members who recognize the importance of and opportunities in knowledge management and succession planning
  • Increased engagement of promising staff who recognize the organization's commitment to their growth
  • Employees with greater understanding of the breadth and scope of public service
  • A stronger understanding of the skills and goals of your team members and what they need from you to be effective

ELA students

Benefits for Learners

Developed by practitioners for practitioners, ELA is more than just a series of professional development classes. Each class is led by experienced public servants who share their experiences with the learners. Grounded in real-world activities, each meeting offers valuable takeaways focused on both immediate practical use and long term career success. The Emerging Leaders Academy is designed to help participants develop:

  • Improved ability to work effectively with others and make contributions in a team environment
  • Increased awareness of their own personal styles and values and how to leverage these for success
  • Confidence in taking on increased responsibilities and handling decision-making opportunities
  • Improved understanding of the "big picture" of public sector work
  • Greater willingness to take risks—and to accept the rewards that come with them
  • Cross-application of their learning to other aspects of their lives

ELA Curriculum
ELA Schedule
Comments from Past Participants

The Emerging Leaders Academy will begin on October 6, 2009. Applications are due September 18, 2009

We anticipate offering two sections, one meeting in Topeka and one meeting on the Kansas side of the KC Metro Area. Early applicants will have the best chance of being assigned to their preferred location. Application FormPDF Document

Program Cost

The cost for enrolling in the Emerging Leaders Academy is $1000, which covers the six months of class meetings and related materials.

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