Open Application Period - Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship
The application period for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Disaster and Emergency Management University (NDEMU) Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship is open through January 21, 2026.
The two-week Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship is designed for the nation’s most experienced crisis leaders to explore conceptual frameworks and real-world experiences, focusing on current and emerging national challenges through collaboration and shared expertise. Fellows build meaningful networks across sectors, learn from partners outside of the traditional emergency management sphere, and work to build creative solutions to help advance the profession. Through a series of focused discussions with top experts and peers, participants will engage in seminars, site visits with crisis leadership experts, and roundtable sessions to discuss and debate the challenges we share as crisis leaders and move the needle towards improving personal and collective preparedness.
Who Should Apply
The Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship is designed for senior executives and proven crisis leaders with 15+ years of crisis leadership or emergency management experience from government, academia, non-governmental, philanthropic, and private sectors. Ideal candidates are executive level leaders responsible for operational and strategic decision-making in crisis OR individuals with experience leading organizations through novel crisis events.
2026 Program Schedule
The first week will be held at different locations to allow each cohort a unique opportunity to meet with experts across the country and discuss disruptive threats and unique challenges of the major cities and localities visited.
The second week is hosted in Washington, D.C. and typically includes visits with the White House National Security Council, Congressional staff and elected officials, Department of Homeland Security and FEMA leadership, and others.
| Week One | Week Two |
|---|---|
| Mar 16-20, 2026 Philadelphia, PA | Apr 20-24, 2026 Washington, DC |
| May 11-15, 2026 New Orleans, LA | Jun 22-26, 2026 Washington, DC |
| Jul 20-24, 2026 Houston, TX | Aug 17-21,2026 Washington, DC |
Tuition and Travel Reimbursement
There is no tuition for the Vanguard Executive Crisis Leaders Fellowship.
Individuals participating who represent state, local, or tribal governments; recognized volunteer organizations; or active emergency management organizations may be eligible for up to 50% travel reimbursement (airfare, hotel, meal per diem) with the home organization covering the remaining 50%.
We cannot reimburse federal government, private sector, representatives of a foreign organization, or contract employees. For information on organizations falling outside of the categories listed above, please e-mail [email protected].
Vanguard Application and Selection Process
Applicants that wish to apply for the CY 2026 Vanguard cohorts should submit their application by January 21, 2026. For details on how to apply please visit: https://training.fema.gov/programs/vanguard/#how-to-apply.
A formal selection board will convene to review the application packages; selectees will be notified by February 1, 2026.
