ETP: Where Potential Meets Opportunity, and Success Becomes Reality.
After a highly successful inaugural year, we are thrilled to offer the second year of the Emerging Talent Program (ETP), a dynamic program designed for NIH GS 5-11 employees and equivalents. This program will provide a comprehensive opportunity for skill enhancement, professional growth, and cross-NIH collaboration. Participants will experience a holistic approach to federal career development through a thoughtfully curated curriculum. Each participant will have the opportunity to hone essential skills including effective communication, emotional intelligence, networking, conflict resolution and more, with the support of Training Center instructors and NIH subject matter experts. This program welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and champions a space where every participant's unique voice is not only heard but valued.
Program Eligibility:
- NIH Federal Employee
- Must be on a Permanent/Indefinite Appointment
- Must be within GS-5 to GS-11 to include Wage-Grade or Title 42 equivalent
- Not currently appointed under the Pathways program
ETP Features and Structure
- An in-person 2-day orientation/kick-off on NIH main campus (Natcher building)
- Duration of six months with 12 total training days
- Cohort size of 30 participants
- NIH experiences to connect to the mission (e.g., tours)
- CliftonStrengths assessment and personal results review
- Skills-building and knowledge-sharing sessions on topics such as oral and written communication, federal career management, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and political savvy.
- Individual Development Plan focus: Group training and one-on-one sessions
2025 Tuition: $2100
Program Curriculum
Month 1
Session 1: Orientation
(2 days)
Month 3
Session 3: Emotional Intelligence
(2 days)
Month 5
Session 5: Performance Management and Self-Advocacy
(2 days)
Month 2
Session 2: Federal Career Management
(2 days)
Month 4
Session 4: Communications
(2 days)
Month 6
Session 6: Networking
(2 days)
Program Dates and Schedule
Cohort 3
| 17-Mar - 18-Mar | In-Person |
| 29-Apr - 30-Apr | In-Person |
| 20-May - 21-May | In-Person |
| 24-Jun - 25-Jun | In-Person |
| 22-Jul - 23-Jul | Virtual |
| 19-Aug - 20-Aug | In-Person |
Cohort 4
| 12-May - 13-May | In-Person |
| 3-Jun - 4-Jun | In-Person |
| 1-Jul - 2-Jul | In-Person |
| 5-Aug - 6-Aug | Virtual |
| 9-Sep - 10-Sep | In-Person |
| 7-Oct - 8-Oct | In-Person |
Cohort 5
| 28-Jul - 29-Jul | In-Person |
| 26-Aug - 27-Aug | Virtual |
| 23-Sep - 24-Sep | Virtual |
| 21-Oct - 22-Oct | Virtual |
| 18-Nov - 19-Nov | Virtual |
| 16-Dec - 17-Dec | Virtual |
Selection Process
NIHTC will solicit a December call for nominations from IC Executive Officers for three 2025 ETP Pilot groups of 30 participants each. We encourage staff to learn about this new program and express their interest to their branch leadership. IC guidance on the individual application and nominations process will be further managed within each IC and prioritized at the IC Executive Office level. IC nominations are then forwarded to the NIH Training Center for placement.
*While individual applications are not needed for the submission to the Training Center, we encourage ICs to consider using an application internally. Please note: Some ICs have their own application; while others are using this downloadable and fillable ETP application. Staff can reference the linked application for an idea of what their internal vetting process might look like.