Image of EMPA Alum with Quote: "The Cohort-based structure of the program really helped illuminate the curriculum to me. Lessons were echoed and ilustrated through the individual experiences of my fellow cohort members. This forced me to view common challenges and 'wicked problems' through the lenses of people very different than I am, which stretched my frame of reference and allowed me to grow" - Kendrick Stewart, Executive MPA, 2015, Administrator, Washington State Department of Social & Health Services
  • Each community of courageous leaders is made of mid-career professionals from a variety of sectors and areas of expertise, who complete the set 11-course curriculum together
  • While most students hail from the Pacific Northwest, our students attend the program from across the United States due to its work-compatible schedule
Sector Representation Donut Chart: 22% Nonprofit/Social, 21% Private, 57% Public

Recent Cohort Employers

  • Brice Engineering, LLC
  • Central Wyoming Hospice Program
  • City of Redmond
  • City of Seattle
  • City of Vancouver Fire Department
  • Coast Salish Consulting, LLC
  • Earthwise Pet Franchise
  • Eleven 11 Solutions
  • FareStart
  • Hagerty Consulting
  • Hebrew Free Loan Association of WA State
  • Identiv, Inc
  • King County Elections
  • More Equitable Democracy
  • Planned Parenthood Great Northwest,
  • Hawai’i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky
  • Port of Seattle
  • Renton School District
  • Resuscitation Academy Foundation
  • Seattle Central College
  • Seattle Colleges Foundation
  • Seattle Jobs Initiative
  • Seattle Public Library
  • State of Alaska
  • The Children’s Center at Burke Gilman Gardens
  • Tia
  • U.S. Navy
  • University Child Development School
  • University of Washington
  • USDA Forest Service
  • Washington Coalition 4 Kids
  • Washington Coalition Against Domestic Violence
  • Washington State Department of Children, Youth, & Families
  • Washington State Department of Licensing
  • Whatcom Community College