Civilian developmental education window for academic year 2019 open through May 1

  • Published
  • By Richard Salomon
  • Air Force’s Personnel Center Public Affairs
Eligible Air Force civilians have until May 1, 2018, to submit their civilian developmental education program applications to the Air Force’s Personnel Center for the 2019 academic year.

The Air Force Civilian Force Development Program offers more than 25 programs to help civilians develop leadership skills and expand their overall knowledge. They include the Civilian Associate Degree Program, Squadron Officer School, Education with Industry, Air Command and Staff College (in residence or the online master’s program), Air Force Legislative Fellows Program, Air War College (in residence), National War College, the Defense Senior Leader Development Program and more.


Three new courses are slated for the 2019 academic year: the White House Leadership Development Program (open to GS-15s), Leading Effectively Through Change (open to GS-14s and GS-15s) and Leading Strategically (open to GS-15s). Leading Strategically is a one-week course that recently replaced the Leadership Development Program.

“These programs provide education and leadership opportunities that help prepare Air Force civilians to successfully meet various challenges across a wide range of operations and missions,” said Esther Chavarria, CDE program manager at AFPC. “Professional education enhances one’s skills and knowledge and is central to the continuum of learning that spans a civilian’s professional career.”

Applicants may list up to four CDE program preferences and are required to upload a separate application package for each of the programs listed on the form. Although requirements and eligibility can vary, most intermediate and senior level developmental education programs require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution as a minimum, with a few requiring a master’s degree. Applicants must be nominated by their leadership and endorsed at the appropriate leadership level. To be eligible, applicants should also have a minimum of two years of federal service by May 1. Applicants should carefully review their program’s submission requirements before preparing their application packages.

The CDE board will convene in September and will release primary and alternate candidates later in the year. More than 1,200 civilians will be selected for numerous schools and programs.

For up-to-date CDE information, visit the Civilian Force Development page on myPers from a CAC-enabled computer, or select “Civilian Employee” from the myPers dropdown menu and search “developmental education.” Required documents, application instructions, a list of CDE opportunities and other criteria are available on the page.

For more information about Air Force personnel programs, visit myPers. Eligible individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following these instructions.