Applying for the 2010-2011 ELDP

The ELDP is designed to identify individuals with promotion potential within insular governments and create career opportunities for them. Here are a few issues for your consideration before applying to the ELDP:

Minimum Qualifications: You must be employed with your government on a full-time basis for the past two calendar years from the date of your application. For example, if you are applying in July 2008 you must have been continuously employed by your government since July 2006. Although a bachelor’s degree is strongly recommended, it is not required. We encourage individuals employed in the areas of finance, accounting, budget, and audit to apply, although the program is open to anyone, including semi-autonomous agencies and component units.

Government Support: You must have a letter of support from your immediate supervisor as part of the application process. Be sure you allow ample time to obtain this important letter of recommendation. Also, please research and follow your government’s protocols and formal guidelines when requesting the letter of commitment from your supervisor.

Time Commitment: You must attend four, week-long training sessions to receive your Certificate of Completion. Sessions will be held one time per quarter in various locations. The first class is scheduled on Guam July 26-31, 2010. You must also complete several assignments between sessions that require a significant amount of time. Please review the attached Questions and Answers and Graduation Requirements for the complete list of training dates, details about the inter-session assignments, and requirements that must be met for graduation.

Funding: If you are accepted into the program, the Graduate School's Pacific and Virgin Islands Training Initiatives, with funding support from the Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs, will fund the costs associated with your travel. It will also fund all costs associated with delivering and administering the program.

Application Process: You must submit five documents to apply for the program:

1. Application Form. Complete the information sheet included in the application download.
2. Letter of Intent. Compose a letter that describes your interest in the program, why you want to develop a career in public service, how you believe the ELDP will contribute to your career, and your commitment to completing the ELDP. Address the letter to the ELDP Admissions Committee.
3. Letter of Support from Your Supervisor. Your supervisor will play a critical role in ensuring you have time to complete assignments and attend the sessions. He or she must write a letter of support indicating he/she has read the attached Questions and Answers about the ELDP and will support you in this effort. Additionally, the supervisor should describe why you are being recommended for the program and give one or two examples of your performance in your current position indicating your potential for the program and as a future leader in your government.
4. Resume. Submit a resume that includes your formal education, professional positions, and volunteer activities. Use a format of your choice, but do not exceed two pages.
5. Personal Biography. Provide a brief personal biography that is suitable for public release. See the biographies of the ELDP Class of 2009 for examples.

We will not accept an incomplete application package. All five items must be included.

Your application must be received no later than April 15, 2010. The 2010–2011 admissions screening committee will consist of two representatives from the Graduate School, PITI/VITI project. The final selection committee comprises two representatives from the Graduate School, PITI/VITI project, two representatives from DOI/OIA, and one independent reviewer. The committee will strive to create a diverse class that appropriately represents all of the insular governments, technical areas, gender, and ethnicity. You will be notified of your admission status no later than June 1, 2010.

If you have questions, please contact Stephen Latimer or Jason Aubuchon at the Graduate School's PITI-VITI program: (808) 523-1650.

Final applications can be emailed to eldp2011@pitiviti.org, or sent by postal mail to: ELDP Applications, attn: Stephen Latimer, 900 Fort Street Mall #1540, Honolulu, HI 96813