Thank you for your interest in applying to the White House Leadership Development Program (WHLDP)!
Program Components
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 participating CFO Act Agency
- Meets or Exceeds expectations in most recent performance evaluation
- Email whldp@gsa.gov to confirm your Agency Point of Contact
- Email your Agency Point of Contact to confirm if your agency will use the Self-Nomination or Agency Nomination application path and to request access to the application link and Supervisor Approval Template
- Prepare your application materials:
- Resume (two pages maximum)
- Supervisor Approval Form (please use the template provided by your Agency Point of Contact)
- Answers to three open-ended questions on enterprise leadership
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.
- Supervisor support to participate 100% from October 2026 - September 2027.
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 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: February 2026
- Candidate Application Window: February-April 2026
- Program Start: October 2026 (one year fellowship)
More Information
Review this one pager for more information on the program and placement opportunities.
Questions? Contact the WHLDP team at WHLDP@gsa.gov.
