Location Virtual
Cost $975
Apply By Apply by Friday, April 24, 2026
Average Duration 10 hours | 3 weeks; May-June 2026 or August-September 2026
Audience Leaders of Leaders, (including federal GS-12s to GS-15s)

For more information, contact: Jennifer Benbow at jbenbow@dev.ourpublicservice.org or (202) 495-3339

The Data Leadership in Public Service Program is designed to meet the growing need for data ready leaders of government organizations.

As an experienced public servant, you know how to achieve your department’s mission and get things done on behalf of the American public. This course will help you build on what you already do well to become a data-ready leader, making informed decisions, driving actionable insights and fostering a data-driven culture within your agency.

Program Overview

The Data Leadership in Public Service program:

  • Provides you with data strategy tools for leading effectively in government
  • Empowers you to make impactful, data-driven decisions while figuring out how to overcome silos, fear of transparency, and the “we’ve always done it this way” mindset
  • Offers opportunities to develop new relationships with other leaders who share a passion for making government work better

As a Data Leadership in Public Service participant, you will:

  • Understand your data system and how to navigate it
  • Learn how to align vision and data strategy
  • Leverage data storytelling and communication to drive action and better serve the
    public

During the program, you will engage with experts, fellow participants and case studies. By the end of the program, you will have gained a deeper understanding of foundational data literacy skills and data-driven leadership. You will also create an action plan for addressing a current work challenge.

Program Structure & Time Commitment

  • Cohort-based learning: Participants are placed in cohorts of 25-30 government leaders led by an experienced facilitator.
  • Sessions: The Data Leadership in Public Service program consists of three half-day virtual sessions, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET. You are expected to prepare for and attend every session and complete any pre-work or readings assigned between sessions.

Program Components

  • Pre-work and resources: Each session comes with limited assigned pre-work (an article, video, etc.) and encouraged optional resources to set you up for success in the session.
  • Spotlight speakers: Most sessions feature a presentation from a guest speaker with expertise on that day’s topic.
  • Peer Networking: Throughout the program, participants can develop working relationships with peers across government. By joining a community of leaders from different agencies, participants learn from and with like-minded individuals who are working to drive innovation.

Session 1:

Data Mindset Foundation

Session 2:

Strategic Data Application

Session 3:

Data Communication

2026 Program Dates

SPRING 2026 COHORT

  • May 4 – Session 1
  • May 18 – Session 2
  • June 1 – Session 3

FALL 2026 COHORT

  • August 31 – Session 1
  • September 14 – Session 2
  • September 28 – Session 3

Tailored Cohorts

This program can also be delivered to groups within a given agency, with content tailored towards the specific challenges, culture and mission of your locality, department or office. Agency cohorts can be delivered virtually or in person or at your location, and we will partner with you to select dates. For more information, contact Jennifer Benbow at jbenbow@dev.ourpublicservice.org or (202) 495-3339.

FAQs

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Leaders of leaders and high-performing aspiring leaders of leaders. Applicants should have an interest in improving workplace culture, growing professionally, discovering new methods and tools to operate more effectively and efficiently, and meeting fellow trailblazers.

We do not recommend this program for current data experts.

How will I know if I am accepted?

The Partnership for Public Service accepts applicants on a rolling basis until the application deadline or the program fills, whichever happens first. You will receive an email from enroll@dev.ourpublicservice.org notifying you of your acceptance status within three days after the application deadline, if not earlier.

If we have an agreement with your agency to accept you as part of an internal selection process, you will probably receive notice from your agency first, but your acceptance is not confirmed until you have received a notification from the Partnership.

Can I reapply if I am not accepted into the program?

Yes, you may reapply if you meet the program’s minimum qualifications.

Is there an application fee?

No. There is no fee to apply to the Partnership’s programs.

How much is tuition?

Tuition for the Data Leadership in Public Service program is $975, which includes all course materials, online collaboration tools, and access to the Partnership’s resources, expertise and networks.

For agencies interested in purchasing a full cohort, please contact Jennifer Benbow at jbenbow@dev.ourpublicservice.org for more information.

Where will sessions take place?

The Data Leadership in Public Service program consists of three half-day virtual sessions. You are expected to prepare for and attend every session and complete any pre-work or readings assigned between sessions.

What should I do if I miss parts of a session or an entire session? Do you offer make-up sessions?

Graduation from Partnership programs is contingent upon full attendance and participation in our training sessions. In the event of a conflict, please notify a Partnership staff member as soon as possible, even before the first session is held. Should you miss any part of a session, we will work with you to provide resources for the missed content.

Who should I contact if I have more questions about this program?

If you have additional questions, please contact Jennifer Benbow at jbenbow@dev.ourpublicservice.org or call (202) 495-3339.