Managing by Network is an applied training program designed for people working in partnership, community collaboration, public engagement, and Tribal consultation.
This course teaches the knowledge, skills and abilities associated with key partnership and community collaboration competencies.
Managing by Network takes place over six months, from January to June. Each of the 18 webinars in this live, virtual course combines instruction, discussion and interaction to promote peer learning, networking, and application on the job.
Build skills. Explore practices. Learn from peers.
Applications for the Class of 2027 will open in August 2026.
Impact
Enhancing resource sharing between people, partners, and organizations.
Build Skills
Explore Practices
Learn From Peeers
Course evaluations consistently show tangible benefits.
More than 90% of Managing by Network participants agree that course learning supports regular on-the-job application of skills learned in class.
Our work is grounded in recognized partnership competencies and professional skills.
It takes time and practice to navigate differences.
Academy graduates dedicate more than half of their time to partnerships and may work on as many as 20 partnerships at one time.
Our programs build capacity for effective communication, respectful and resilient partnerships, and sustained collaboration.
Peer learning is what we do.
We are committed to providing opportunities for building cross-sector and inter-agency relationships and understanding.
Our network includes more than 1,500 course alumni who are building relationships of trust and mutual benefit to advance priority work across the nation.
Testimonials
Learning Objectives
Applying knowledge and skills learned in this course, participants will be able to:
- Strengthen an internal and external network of individuals and organizations to advance the mission of the agency or organization.
- Build accountability and trust between agencies, organizations, or Tribes and their partners, interested parties, and the public.
- Demonstrate professional competence in applying best practices for partnership, community collaboration, and Tribal consultation.
- Apply social science concepts and practices to support relevance and resilience in building, maintaining, and sustaining partner networks.
- Understand and navigate differences in agency and partner organizational cultures and authorities, while working cooperatively to leverage resources and achieve common goals.
Tuition
The $2,200 tuition fee for 2027 covers all course elements. These include: program orientation, 18 instructor-led webinars, networking sessions, applied exercises, case studies, key resources, course assessments, and training certificate.
- Tuition may be paid by the individual’s organization, work unit, or by the individual.
- Submitting an application does not constitute an obligation of funding.
- A limited number of scholarships may be available for BLM, NPS, and USDA FS applicants.
Tuition Policies:
- Participants from federal agencies may complete the SF-182 Training Authorization Form to obligate funding.
- Applicants will be notified of selection in early November 2026. Once selected, applicants must confirm the availability of funding within two weeks. Invoices will be provided before the first week of class.
- The Academy provides online, secure credit card processing of tuition payments. View our Policies.
- Contact Anne Desmarais for more information about tuition and payment.
The acceptance of a National Scholarship obligates the course participant to fulfill course completion requirements. If a scholarship recipient must withdraw from the course prior to completing certificate requirements, work unit reimbursement of the scholarship may apply.
Applicants from BLM and USDA FS will automatically be considered for a scholarship.
BLM: The BLM National Conservation Lands and Community Partnerships Directorate provides a limited number of National Scholarships for participants.
USDA Forest Service: Depending on available funding, the USDA FS National Partnership Office may provide a limited number of National Scholarships for participants.
We welcome applications from individuals representing federal, state, and local agencies; nonprofit or educational organizations; Native Nations and Indigenous Communities; agency contractors and others working in partnership and community engagement.
Selection for Open Seats is competitive. Applicants from NPS, NOAA, USFWS, USACE and other agencies and organizations working in partnership with federal cohosting agencies will receive preference in Open Seat selection.
- Open Seat tuition may be paid by the individual’s agency work unit, organization, or by the individual.
- Open Seat applicants must confirm their funding within two weeks of confirming registration.
- Prior to the use of a federal credit card to pay tuition, Federal agencies should complete the SF-182 Training Authorization Form to obligate funding.
- Tuition invoices will be submitted on confirmation of registration and/or coinciding with the start of the course. If you require a different timeframe, contact us.
The Academy provides online, secure credit card processing of tuition payments. View our Policies.
Contact Anne Desmarais for more information about tuition payment information, including:
- secure credit card payments;
- vendor information needed to complete the SF-182 Training Authorization Form;
- processing validation information required by state and local agencies or organizations, prior to the use of a credit card to pay tuition.
Managing by Network is cohosted by:
