Managing by Network

The course also includes access to instructional presentations, related resources and links, and voluntary opportunities for learning and development including the case study program, networking sessions with peers and instructors, homework, and practical exercises.

Selection for Managing by Network is competitive, regardless of tuition funding option. Space is limited to 120 seats for this interagency course. Eligibility for scholarships varies by agency, as described below. 

National Scholarship Opportunities

The acceptance of a National Scholarship obligates the course participant to fulfill the course requirements on behalf of their work unit. If a scholarship recipient must withdraw from the course prior to completing certificate requirements, work unit reimbursement of the scholarship may apply.

• BLM: The BLM National Conservation Lands and Community Partnerships Directorate and National Training Center provide a limited number of National Scholarships for participants, funding the entire $2,100 tuition fee. BLM applicants will automatically be considered for a scholarship.
• NPS: The NPS Stewardship Institute provides a limited number of National Scholarships for NPS participants, funding the entire $2,100 tuition fee. NPS applicants will automatically be considered for a scholarship.
• USFWS: The USFWS National Conservation Training Center provides a limited number of National Scholarships for participants, funding the entire $2,100 tuition fee. USFWS applicants will automatically be considered for a scholarship.
• USDA Forest Service: Based on available funding, the USDA FS National Partnership Office provides a limited number of National Scholarships for participants, funding the entire $2,100 tuition fee. USDA Forest Service applicants will automatically be considered for a scholarship.

Open Seat Opportunities

Open Seat applicants must work with or on behalf of at least one of the cohost agencies. Applicants selected for Open Seats must confirm their funding by December 31, 2023. 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 for payment in January 2024, coinciding with the start of the course. 

• USACE: For applicants from the US Army Corps of Engineers, the tuition fee is funded by the individual's agency work unit. Participants from the same work unit may be asked to coordinate tuition payments. USACE applicants receive preference in Open seat selection.
• NOAA: For applicants from NOAA, the tuition fee is funded by the individual's agency work unit. Participants from the same work unit may be asked to coordinate tuition payments. NOAA applicants receive preference in Open seat selection. 
• Other Federal Agencies; State, County, and Municipal agencies; Native nations; Nonprofit organizations: The tuition fee is funded by the individual's agency work unit or organization, or by the individual.

The Academy provides online, secure credit card processing of tuition payments.

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. This form is required by Federal agencies to obligate funding prior to the use of a federal credit card to pay tuition;
• processing validation information required by state and local agencies or organizations, prior to the use of a credit card to pay tuition.