congratulations to our 2026.1 msldp spring cohort Graduates!

Be sure to scroll to learn more about the program and to see important dates to remember!

The MSLDP in collaboration with NPLI at Harvard University is a FREE, GLOBAL, and VIRTUAL training program focused on providing military spouses the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of Leadership, Service, Advocacy, and Mentorship.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor for our second cohort of 2026!

Military Spouse Leadership Development Program

Read what past participants have to say about the military spouse leadership development program!

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor for 2026.1!

Current spring 2026.1 SESSION DATES/TIMES:

required LIVE Virtual Sessions

Meet and Greet event (Required)

Wednesday, April 22, 7pm-8:30pm EST

Module 1 (Required)
Saturday, April 25, 11am-4pm EST

Module 2(Required)

Saturday, May 16, 11am-4pm EST

Module 3(Required)
Saturday, June 20, 11am-4pm EST

Module 4 (Required)
Saturday, July 11, 11am-4pm EST

Day With Leaders and Graduation 2026 (Required)

Saturday, July 18, 11am-4pm EST

*Commitment of 1-3 hours per week for assignments, readings and team engagement (this is on top of the 5 hours needed for the monthly live virtual sessions)

Upcoming fall 2026.2 Application Timeline:

Cohort Announced in Mid-August!

required LIVE Virtual Sessions

Meet and Greet event (Required)

Wednesday, August 19, 7pm-8:30pm EST

Module 1 (Required)
Saturday, August 22, 11am-4pm EST

Module 2(Required)

Saturday, September 19, 11am-4pm EST

Module 3(Required)
Saturday, October 17, 11am-4pm EST

Module 4 (Required)
Saturday, November 7, 11am-4pm EST

Day With Leaders and Graduation 2026 (Required)

Saturday, November 14, 11am-4pm EST

Application Process and Q&A

Questions? email us at LIMS@milspouseadvocacynetwork.org

Media Inquiries: media@milspouseadvocacynetwork.org

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

MSAN is committed to providing four months of leadership training to selected participants at no cost. Training, modules and certificates are fully funded by contributions from program partners and sponsors.
No.
No. Nominations are not accepted but we encourage you to share this program with military spouses who are ready to take their leadership skills to the next level.
MSAN volunteers are not eligible at this time due to private professional development opportunities offered to all MSAN volunteers.
As the program grows and evolves it may be possible for MSAN to secure funding that allows our volunteers to participate.
As an organization, we are committed to providing opportunities for learning and growth to our volunteers.
Currently, we have several professional development modules for our volunteers and we are steadily working with our educational partners on additional opportunities for the future.
Not at this time. Please see our eligibility criteria for more information.
Yes, surviving spouses of post 9-11 veterans are eligible to apply.
Yes, just keep in mind that classes/training, modules and graduations are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Yes, all applicants must join the MSAN Mentorship-HUB before the application deadline in order for the application to move forward to the review committee and be considered complete.

Join the HUB here:
https://tinyurl.com/MentorshipHUB
MSLDP requires a four-month commitment. Please see the program schedule for required dates/times.
Participants are expected to participate in all scheduled program events throughout the duration of the program. If you are not able to commit to the dates, please apply another year when you can meet the requirements.
This leadership development program does not qualify for college credit but participants receive a Leadership Certificate from an accredited university educational partner (NPLI at Harvard).
This program is for leadership development and is not overseen by an accrediting body. Participants will receive a Leadership Certificate from National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard.
Alumni are expected to stay involved in the program as participants and supporters.

Alumni should also assist in the recruitment and mentoring of new participants, share leadership experiences with the new cohorts/classes, and participate in follow-up interviews and surveys to measure program outcomes.

Meet Your Instructors

BENEFITS FOR THE ATTENDEES:

Develop mentorship, advocacy, leadership and service skills.
Vision & Strategy Development and Execution.
The skills learned will facilitate the development of a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to build and support effective relationships.
The skills acquired during this program can be applied across the variety of issues communities may face.
Direct connection to current local and national initiatives.
Network of fellow empowered leaders ready to serve.
Admission to the MSLDP’s Alumni Network.
Access to the MSLDP’s library (recorded training videos) for 1 year.
Leadership Certificate from an accredited university and Micro-certifications.

COMMUNITY IMPACT:

Foster leadership potential in the community to ensure continued growth and development in local communities.

The knowledge and skills needed to make real changes are given to those who can make real change happen: military spouses and community leaders!
More prepared and committed leaders ready to serve and influence positive change.
Mentors leading and supporting local initiatives.
Bridging the gap between military and civilian communities.
Understanding and awareness of the unique challenges military families face.

**MSAN Volunteers can find more information in the FAQs section.

Why apply?

• Receive support from professional mentors, community leaders, fellow military spouses, advocates, military leadership, and civilian counterparts.

• Build a network of leadership-oriented military spouses in a diverse cohort across all military branches to work on dissecting personal values, leadership examples, and learn tools to achieve actionable steps in improving the communities around them.

• Gain exclusive access to supportive agencies and individuals that will train, educate and develop future mentors, advocates and service leaders.

• Join the MSLDP Alumni network, become MSAN Mentors, community advocates and leaders in their local communities/expertise as well as join existing service initiatives.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Eligible and completed applications will be reviewed by the selection committee.

Spouses will be selected based on:

Personal and professional commitment to leadership, lifelong learning, and community
Expresses specific areas of focus (topics or projects) they want to work on during the program
Displays a strong desire to develop their leadership skills for the sake of greater impact
Presents an established record of community involvement and leadership engagement
Thinks critically about how they can improve their society
Seeks feedback and actively pursues opportunities to engage with others from diverse backgrounds or differing perspectives
Works to include others in influencing change
Demonstrates an interest in working collaboratively with cohort members and program instructors/guests
Seeks reflection, understanding, and growth

EMPOWERING FUTURE LEADERS

Our communities need strong, knowledgeable, and confident leaders. During MSAN’s national and completely virtual MSLDP, you will learn the fundamentals of leadership, service, advocacy, and mentorship from top military leaders and impactful voices in the community.

Earn micro-certifications in mental health topics, exclusive trainings, and a Leadership Certificate from National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard, all through professional communications training, masterclasses from an Ivy League institution, and discussions with influential panel participants.

This program will empower you and develop your leadership skills to become a change agent in your local community. Most importantly, you will complete this learning experience feeling seen, heard, and empowered to act. Unlock your potential to become an action-oriented leader, advocate, and mentor so you can make a difference where it matters!

The best part? MSAN is proud to offer the MSLDP completely FREE to eligible spouses including active duty from any branch of our armed services including the Reserves and Guard OR a post-9-11 Gold Star Spouse, Surviving Spouse, Caregiver, Spouse of a Veteran or Retiree.