The Leadership Institute for Military Spouses by MSAN is accepting applications for the Military Spouse Leadership Development Program, presented by USAA, with the first 2026 cohort scheduled for this spring. This intermediate-level program will select 50 military spouses focused on community service and change-making, providing them with leadership development at no cost through a virtual format accessible globally. Applications opened on January 9, 2026, and will close on February 6, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST, inviting spouses of currently serving U.S. military members from all branches including Reserves and Guard, as well as post-9/11 Gold Star spouses, surviving spouses, caregivers, and spouses of veterans or retirees.
The program's importance lies in its structured approach to developing military spouses as community leaders, addressing a population that frequently relocates and faces unique challenges in maintaining career continuity and community engagement. By focusing on leadership skills specifically applicable to community contexts, the program helps military spouses translate their experiences into local impact, potentially strengthening both military families and the communities where they reside. The curriculum covers meta-leadership, crisis management, conflict resolution, communication, and mental health, equipping participants with practical tools for community leadership roles.
Participants receive significant credentials upon completion, including a leadership certificate from the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University and a Mental Health Ally certificate from Psych Hub. These certifications provide formal recognition of their training and may enhance their professional opportunities and community credibility. Graduates also gain induction into the Leadership Institute for Military Spouses' Alumni Network, which offers continued access to professional learning and networking opportunities, creating sustainable support systems beyond the program duration. Additionally, the MSLDP serves as a prerequisite for alumni planning to apply for the LIMS Ethical Leadership advanced training course, establishing a pathway for ongoing leadership development.
USAA's role as presenting sponsor underscores corporate recognition of military spouses' leadership potential and represents strategic investment in military family support systems. Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, USAA Head of Corporate Impact, noted that communities benefiting from military families stand to gain further from spouses' leadership experiences and traits developed through military life. The program's virtual format removes geographical barriers, making leadership development accessible regardless of deployment status or location, which is particularly valuable for a population subject to frequent relocations. For eligibility information and applications, visit https://www.leadershipinstituteformilitaryspouses.org/leadership-development.
The program's implications extend beyond individual development to potentially strengthen community resilience and military family integration. By developing military spouses as community leaders, the initiative may enhance local support networks, improve community-military relations, and create role models within military families. The focus on mental health training within the leadership curriculum addresses growing recognition of mental wellness as foundational to effective leadership and community wellbeing. This comprehensive approach to leadership development represents a meaningful investment in military spouse empowerment with potential ripple effects across both military and civilian communities where these families live and serve.
