GOAL Academy

FY21 GOAL Academy Enrollment

Registration Open May 20 - June 10, 2020

Am I eligible?

Review the program eligibility criteria & FAQ

Take a Test Drive

Check out a real GOAL Academy assignment

Program Purpose

Discover learning objectives and leadership competencies

Watch the Video

from the Center for Park Management

GOAL Academy Testimonials and Impact

Have you heard?

GOAL Academy Class Projects

Check out their impressive work

GOAL Academy Participants

Discover current participants and program graduates

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About the Program

The Generating Organizational Advancement and Leadership (GOAL) Academy started as a grassroots program at the park level in Grand Canyon and has grown into one of the most sought-after nationally-based leadership programs in NPS. Pairing top-notch development experts with examples of leadership excellence, this program offers an unsurpassed learning environment for leadership soft skills.

Click on the sliding photos to the left for specific program information:
1 of 8 – Registration
2 of 8 – Eligibility & FAQ
3 of 8 – Test Drive an Assignment
4 of 8 – Program Purpose
5 of 8 – Promotional Video
6 of 8 – Testimonials & Impact
7 of 8 – Class Projects
8 of 8 – Participants

News & Events

FY21 GOAL Academy Registration Open May 20 – June 10, 2020
Announcing: Registration for the FY21 GOAL Academy is open May... Keep Reading
Save the Date: GOAL Academy Class Project Presentations and Graduation
Learn more about the GOAL Academy and this year's action... Keep Reading

See All News & Events

Meet The Team

Cheryl Eckhardt

Program Overview

Emphasizing the concept of Lead Where You Are Now, this annually-hosted program is a blended learning experience that includes approximately 250 curriculum hours over the course of 9 months (September 1 – May 31):

3 in-person residential sessions (96.0 hours)
8 webinars (21.0 hours)
8 monthly assignments (48.0 hours)
a class project with presentations (50.0 hours)
a mentorship (18.0 hours)
360-degree personal evaluations (4.0 hours)
an online asynchronous 5-week course (20.0 hours)

The GOAL Academy is centrally-funded, with all costs (tuition, travel, supplies) covered mutually by WASO Learning and Development and NPS Regional Offices. Regions 8, 9, 10, 12 (formerly the Pacific West Region) is continuing to monitor the budget situation and intend to cover most, if not all, of the participant costs. If you are in this region, please follow up with the regional employee development officer, meghan_kish@nps.gov, for follow-up questions.

“Absolutely unmatched personal, peer, and professional development.” – – GOAL Academy graduate