CSIS Accelerator Series

The CSIS Accelerator Series is designed for rising professionals ready to hone their leadership and management skills to achieve the next level of impact in their career. The curated program connects professionals with top policy experts and coaches to develop their skills in leadership, management, and communication while exploring the policy issues affecting their industry.

At a Glance

Course Date

July 17 – December 11, 2025

Location

CSIS Headquarters

Tuition

$7,500

Application Deadline

May 21, 2025

Overview

Successful leaders in today’s fast-paced workplace need the skills and knowledge to handle complex challenges, diverse teams, and a changing strategic landscape.

The CSIS Accelerator Series is curated for rising professionals looking to deepen their understanding of leadership, management, and communication skills in a concentrated curriculum. The Accelerator Series leverages CSIS’s in-house policy expertise and our network of top coaches to equip participants with essential tools and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing world while navigating the complexities of managing people and projects.

The Accelerator Series focuses on building strategic, ethical, and effective leaders through a blend of leadership theory, practical management techniques, experiential learning opportunities, and policy seminars. Participants will explore current policy challenges with CSIS experts within their selected policy track, gaining the analytical skills and background to unpack the impact of these policies on their work. Over the course of the program, participants will refine their professional skills, leadership style, and policy knowledge alongside peers from government, corporations, and nonprofits, building meaningful connections with fellow rising leaders in Washington, D.C.

This program recognizes the influence of policy developments on the work of both public and private organizations. Participants will choose a focus area from CSIS’s four departments: geopolitics and foreign policy; economic security and technology; defense and security; or human security and global development. These seminars aim to sharpen geopolitical acumen and provide an opportunity to engage with CSIS scholars on issues that affect participants’ field and work.

2025 Cohort Selection

Nomination deadline: May 12, 2025

Application deadline: May 21, 2025

2025 Curriculum

To receive a certificate of achievement, participants must complete a minimum of 14 course credits of 24 available. Participants are encouraged to attend as many classes as possible, and there is no limit to the number of sessions that may be completed.

Leadership

  • Understanding Different Leadership Frameworks
  • Leveraging Temperament and Motivation
  • Identity and Inclusive Leadership 

Management

  • Change Management
  • Design Thinking
  • Project Management
  • Conflict Management

Communication

  • Presenting Information as an Expert
  • On-Camera Media Training (two-session series)
  • Moderating Panels (two-session series)
  • How to Write a Policy Brief
  • Public Speaking and Presentation Development (two-session series)
  • Negotiation Strategies (two-session series)

Policy and Geopolitical Acumen

  • New Frontiers: Five Megatrends That Will Define Our Future
  • Data as a Tool for Policy Research
  • Strategic Thinking on the Global Stage
  • Tailored Policy Seminars (2)

Eligibility

CSIS is seeking a diverse and accomplished cohort of rising leaders who are committed to advancing their leadership journey. Nominations and applications should highlight the candidate's professional background and leadership potential, as well as demonstrated interest in the sessions offered.

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

  • Have 5-12 years of professional experience.
  • Demonstrate the potential to thrive in managerial and leadership roles.
  • Proficient in English.
  • Sessions will be offered mostly virtually, with occasional in-person and hybrid options. The program requirements can be satisfied entirely virtually, but we recommend participants have the ability to travel to Washington, D.C. on occasion for in-person sessions and cohort-building activities.

How to Apply

Participants may be nominated by their supervisors or apply directly to the program. To apply, please submit the following documents through the application link:

  • Resume
  • Nomination letter from a current supervisor
  • Completed application form

Acceptances will be made on a rolling basis. All applicants will be made aware of their acceptance status no later than May 26.

Alumni

Previous and current participants include representatives from:
American Gas Association, The Asia Group, Aramco, Bechtel, Boeing, Booz Allen Hamilton, The Cohen Group, Cummins, Inc., ClearPath, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, Department of State, Department of Treasury, Department of Veterans Affairs, Embassy of Australia, Embassy of the Netherlands, ENI S.p.a., FHI 360, FMC and The Congressional Study Groups, Global Health Technologies Coalition, Guidehouse LLP, International Committee of the Red Cross, International Republican Institute, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Millennium Challenge Corporation, National Nuclear Security Administration, Norwegian Refugee Council, PATH, RESULTS Education Fund, Samsung Electronics, Spirit of America, Toyota North America, USAID, U.S. Army, U.S. Green Building Council, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Institute of Peace, Visa, Vital Voices Global Partnership, White Ribbon Alliance, The World Bank Group

Contact

For more information, please contact Jessica Middleton, Learning and Development Associate, at JMiddleton@csis.org.

Image
Trevor Allred
Learning and Development Associate, Executive Education and Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy
Image
Jessica Middleton
Learning and Development Associate and Outreach Manager, Executive Education and Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy
Image
Donatienne Ruy
Director, Executive Education and Abshire-Inamori Leadership Academy, and Fellow, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program