2017\2018 Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security Emergence Program. Monterey, California

Applications are now being accepted for CHDS' newest offering, the Emergence Program. We are looking for homeland/public safety officials in the early stages of their careers. You will find all the information you need to know on our website at: https://www.chds.us/c/academic-programs/emergence-program. 

The deadline for applications is July 28.

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Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Emergence Program

October 22-27, 2017 and March 5-8, 2018
Monterey, California

The Emergence Program is a unique opportunity for homeland security/public safety professionals who are in the early stages of their career. The program provides an educational forum and innovation lab (at the NPS campus in Monterey, CA) for participants to explore "emerging" trends in the world around us - e.g. technology, environment, and terrorism. Participants will discuss both the challenges associated with these complex trends as well as the opportunities to rethink how we protect our communities and the nation. In addition, program sessions will assist participants in "emergence" strategies for implementing innovative ideas, being a leader, and for a successful homeland security career.

All costs associated with participating - tuition, books and travel - are covered by CHDS through its sponsor, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's National Preparedness Directorate, FEMA.

Program Objectives:

• Enhance the next generation of homeland security leaders' understanding of the homeland security discipline and emerging trends.
• Facilitate participants' homeland security perspectives and what they view as opportunities for change and contributions their generation can make to the evolving discipline.
• Emphasize and enhance critical inquiry, analysis, and evidence based research to understand complex problems and to develop and implement new ideas.
• Develop and explore strategies for success in a changing work environment.
• Inspire participants to a career in homeland security/public safety.

Learning Structure:

• (2) one-week sessions (a six day in-residence, October 22-27, 2017, followed by a four day in-residence, March 5-8, 2018) at the Naval Postgraduate School for professionals with a demonstrated commitment to homeland security/public safety and who are at the early stages of their career.
• The cohort of 32 participants will be chosen from a national applicant pool and will reflect the variety of professional backgrounds and geographic areas that comprise the homeland security community.
• The program will include advance readings and online work in the weeks prior to the in-residence sessions.
• Sessions are a mixture of interactive and informative presentations, discussions and group exercises.
• A significant part of the Emergence Program includes an innovation lab for participants to research and develop an idea for change within their organizations (e.g. new policy, approaches, program, procedure, system, use of technology, etc.). Participants will work collaboratively during the lab. CHDS staff will be available to assist with the drafting of individual innovation plans.
• As part of the program, participants will present their ideas to their agency leadership for consideration and feedback following the first in-residence.

Qualifications:

• Full-time government employee of a local, state, federal, territorial, or tribal homeland security/public safety agency or a private sector employee with security/safety responsibilities.
• Preferred 2-7 years work experience in any area (does not need to be homeland security related), 2 years (approximately) with their current agency or organization.
• A demonstrated commitment to a career in homeland security/public safety.
• Applicant should have strong collaboration, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills and an appreciation for continuous education and professional growth.
• Applicant should enjoy learning through interactive activities (program includes walking on flat established outdoor trails).

Application:

Open an online application at https://www.chds.us/c/academic-programs/emergence-program. 

The selection committee will not review your application until you finalize the materials and click submit. A complete application includes the following:

• Current resume including educational history.
• Short essay (2-3 pages, doubled spaced) detailing an opportunity for homeland security/public safety change within your organization as well what you view as 1 or 2 possible challenges/barriers to achieving the change (you will develop your innovative idea* for change during the program and brief it to your leadership upon returning to your organization).
• A letter of support from a supervisor or organizational leader:
• highlighting your qualities as a candidate for the program (see qualifications)
• confirming you will be allowed the time away to attend, if selected
• committing to participate in your Emergence Program education by providing you the opportunity to brief organizational leaders on your idea upon completion of the Emergence first in-residence and providing feedback regarding its potential for implementation
• Optional Creative Submission: use whatever medium you wish - e.g. written, recorded, video, art, etc. - to show us something that is important to who you are and why you are a good candidate for the program.

The application deadline is July 28, 2017. 

Applicants will be notified of the selection committee's decision by the end of August. 

Contact Heather Issvoran, 831-402-4672 or hissvora@nps.edu if you have questions about the application process.