Last Call for Public-Sector Technologists to Apply for CDT’s IT Leadership Academy

Public-sector technologists seeking a spot in the state’s flagship IT training curriculum, the Information Technology Leadership Academy (ITLA), have only a week left to apply. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. Oct. 28. The next class, ITLA 32, runs from Jan. 8 through May 1.

The California Department of Technology (CDT) leadership program is considered a professional steppingstone for those aspiring to executive positions in IT governance, and many chief information officers and chief technology officers in the public sector are graduates.

“Individuals with a vision for enterprise-wide thinking, strong potential for career advancement into executive or senior management positions, and experience carrying out their organization’s mission and vision are encouraged to apply,” the ITLA websitenotes.

Candidates for the 16-week program must be serving in an IT managerial or supervisory capacity with state or local government in California and should have at least three years’ experience in one or both levels combined and/or have completed CDT’s Emerging IT Leaders Boot Camp. Students should expect to attend class sessions an average of three days per week for the duration of the program.

“ITLA includes classroom sessions taught by vendor partners, IT executives, and prior graduates,” the website says. “Throughout the program, students contribute to lively group discussions, share their experiences, and collaborate to address real-life scenarios that address the state’s unique leadership challenges.”

Most classes for the 2025 program will be conducted using Zoom, with some to be held in person at CDT’s Training and Education Center (TEC) in Rancho Cordova. “To assist with planning, the ITLA 2025 Program Schedule and Calendar will be provided to all students accepted into this year’s program for careful review before formally committing to the program and will identify which sessions will be conducted online versus in-person only so appropriate arrangements can be made. Sessions delivered in-person will not be recorded.”

In addition to completing an application for acceptance, candidates must also provide a signed Chief Information Officer (CIO) Authorization Form. (Previously, a formal letter of recommendation from a candidate’s CIO was required.) The program cost is $4,900 per participant and a 22 percent cost distribution fee charged by CDT, which will be included in the direct billing. For more information, see CDT’s Service Rates webpage.

ITLA stores all program-related documents in Microsoft Teams, and Zoom will be the primary medium for all remote sessions. Students should have a camera and microphone so they can participate in class sessions. “Core hours for ITLA 32 are 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., whether remote or in-person,” the website says. “In order to verify connectivity, virtual class sessions will be open at 8:30 a.m. Students are also encouraged to log in to sessions early to network and chat with one another.”

For more information and details about applying, email the Office of Professional Development at ITLA@state.ca.gov. CDT maintains an archive of previous ITLA classes for those seeking more information about the program and its history.