Foundations
The Foundations course is a multi-day introduction to the core ideas and skills of performance management. You'll leave with concepts that sharpen how you think about your work, skills you can put to use immediately, and a place in the Academy's community of practice across NC state government.
6 days · Sep 29 – Oct 22, 2026 · Albemarle Building, downtown Raleigh
Applications close Friday, August 14.
Course Overview
The Performance Management Academy (PMA) is a series of trainings, events, and peer convenings for North Carolina state employees to share and build expertise in performance management. The Foundations course is the signature, introductory course into the PMA. Participants learn a variety of concepts and skills, including how to:
- Apply strategic planning to prioritize and manage limited resources.
- Use agile design and evidence to continuously improve policies and programs.
- Engage additional NC resources, partners, and colleagues to continue building performance management expertise over the years.
Commitment
Over four weeks, Academy participants attend six class days of 4.5 hours each. Assigned reading (and thinking!) takes about 1.5 hours per class. Overall the PMA asks for roughly 36 hours of effort. Participants are expected to attend the entirety of every class and to come prepared to discuss assigned material and participate in activities. We ask that laptops and phones be put away. Only prepared, active participation can empower the feedback and practice necessary to master the material.
From Foundations Alumni
Meet all 213 alumni →I’ve worked in state government for 18 years, and this was the most impactful and helpful training I have had. I 100% feel my work will improve from what I learned.
Class Schedule
Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Setting and Planning Priorities(Part 1 of 2)
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Setting and Planning Priorities(Part 2 of 2)
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Implementing
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Finding & Generating Evidence
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Using Evidence
Thursday, October 22, 2026
Frontiers in Performance Management
Logistics
The Foundations course meets on these dates, at this location:
September – October 2026
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Albemarle Building, Training Room 240
325 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC
Two blocks north of the State Capitol
Application Process
- 1
Apply
Create an account with your work email and submit your application.
- 2
Hold the dates
Put the class days on your calendar now, so the time is protected while your application is considered.
- 3
Applications reviewed
Applications are reviewed to ensure the individual's potential to benefit as well as to assemble a cohort representative of many agencies and roles.
- 4
Applicants notified
Applicants are notified the week of August 17. Those admitted get an official calendar invitation and registration details.
Applications close Friday, August 14 · decisions the week of August 17.