Prepare to lead in the moments that shape history.
SALTT is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn
about the scope and scale of Dwight D. Eisenhower's
leadership and strategic decision making.
Strategy & Leadership in Transformational Times (SALTT) is the Eisenhower Institute’s premiere capstone experience, an opportunity for motivated students with proven leadership potential to work one-on-one with Expert-in-Residence and Chairman Emeritus, Susan Eisenhower. This yearlong specialized seminar introduces students to the concepts of strategic thinking and leadership under rapidly changing conditions. Under Ms. Eisenhower’s direction, SALTT will explore two major global conflicts, beginning with WWI, leading into WWII and the fight to defeat Nazi Germany - using both to shed new light on current conflicts and war in Europe.
Participants will study the lead up to World War II, the war on the Western front after US engagement, the developments that led to the Nazi unconditional surrender, and the aftermath of the war in Europe. These stories will be presented to underscore the role that strategy and leadership plays, even for new recruits, that ultimately led to success. Spring semester will be dedicated to preparing for a memorable trip to the D-Day beaches and the specific challenges of that battle. We will visit key archives in Washington, D.C. and other locations before leaving for Normandy, France, in March. Interviews and information gathered during this trip will serve as primary research for an upcoming book about war and reconciliation.
Not only will this case study add immeasurably to students’ understanding of this pivotal historic moment, SALTT participants will also gain a new perspective for understanding and practicing strategic thinking for use in their future careers in the private, public, or non-profit sectors. Students will develop a project based on the individual insights they gather during their trip to Normandy and the program in its entirety.
Program Eligibility
The SALTT program will be comprised of competitively selected students from Gettysburg College. The Eisenhower Institute is seeking students who are eager to learn and committed to this seminar. Applicants must successfully complete an application process and an interview.
Schedule
Participants must also be willing to commit a Friday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM, and a Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM once a month—as well as two days at the end of the January break. Participants must be available during the entire Spring Break period (March 6-15, 2026) for travel to Normandy. Participants will need to have or acquire a passport by November 1, 2025.
Fall 2025
- September 12, 6-8:30pm - Session 1
- September 13, 10am-12pm - Session 2
- October 11-14 - Fall Break Research Trip (locations TBD)
- November 14, 6-8:30pm - Session 3
- November 15, 10am-12pm - Session 4
Spring 2026
- January 15-16 - Spring Orientation in Gettysburg (other locations TBD)
- February 20, 6-8:30pm - Session 5
- February 21, 10am-12pm - Session 6
- March 6-15, Spring Break Trip to Normandy
- April 17, 6-8:30pm - Session 7
- April 18, 10am-12pm - Session 8