Thank you for your interest in applying to the White House Leadership Development Program (WHLDP)!
What’s New This Year
Placement-Centered Model: WHLDP has streamlined its program to focus more on strategic placements that directly advance Administration priorities. Fellows will be selected for roles that align with center-of-government needs and the fellows’ professional expertise. This placement-first model ensures fellows bring critical skills to the center of government—delivering real-world results where they are most needed.
Leadership Development remains a core component, with approximately 15% of the fellowship dedicated to a results-driven leadership program—building the mindset and capabilities to lead effectively, increase efficiency, and achieve impact in today’s federal environment.
Why Apply Now
- Contribute at the center of federal decision making.
- Strengthen your leadership through targeted development.
- Return to your agency with enhanced skills, perspective and networks.
- Be part of a growing alumni network of enterprise leaders
How to Apply
- Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements:
- Current GS-15 and equivalent civil service employee
- Work at a CFO Act Agency
- Follow your agency nomination process. This includes at a minimum:
- Resume (two pages maximum)
- Confirmation of agency nomination plus supervisor approval
- Answers to three open-ended questions on enterprise leadership
- Three references
- Timing: For the most part, start dates are flexible based on employee/agency needs, as we are more focused on finding the right leaders than perfect timing. All fellows must start prior to October 20, 2025.
Who Should Be Nominated
All applicants must be nominated through their agency. Each agency may nominate up to three GS-15 employees agency-wide who demonstrate the capabilities to work effectively at the center-of-government. Ideal candidates bring:
- Mission-driven expertise in one or more placement areas and a passion for solving government’s toughest challenges.
- Adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, evolving policy environments.
- Learning agility and self-awareness, demonstrating the ability to reflect, adapt, and adjust one’s approach to meet the demands of complex and evolving challenges.
Interested applicants should contact whldp@gsa.gov to be connected to their agency point of contact who can provide more information on their internal selection process.
Selection Process
After reviewing agency nominations, the WHLDP program team applies a rigorous selection process to determine finalists. These finalists then interview with placement leads. Up to 20 fellows will be selected this cycle.
Timeline
- Nomination Launch: June 2025
- Candidate Application Window: July 2025
- Program Start: August 2025 through October 2025 (one year fellowship)
More Information and Cohort 11 Placement Opportunities
Review this one pager for more information on the program and placement opportunities.
Questions? Contact the WHLDP team at WHLDP@gsa.gov.
