60 participants of the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program have begun training.

      Sixty individuals selected to participate in the educational program "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" have begun their training. The official opening of the program took place at the Corporate University of the Government of Nizhny Novgorod Region (KUPNO) on August 4, with the participation of Governor Gleb Nikitin.

      The ceremony also featured Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Volga Federal District Igor Panshin, Russian political, public, and military figure, writer, and Rosguardia Lieutenant Colonel Zakhar Prilepin, Deputy Governors of Nizhny Novgorod Region Andrey Gneushev and Petr Bannikov, Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of Nizhny Novgorod Dmitry Krasnov, Chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod City Duma Evgeny Chintsov, Director of the Nizhny Novgorod Institute of Management—a branch of RANEPA Ekaterina Lebedeva, and KUPNO Rector Roman Markov.

      "The regional program incorporates all the best elements of the federal 'Heroes Time' program but has its own specificities and is unique. We will fulfill President Vladimir Putin's task of actively involving participants in the special military operation in civic life and public service—and through this program, we will find those who will join our team. The main takeaway for participants is an understanding of the responsibility that the soldiers of the SVO have already accepted and are ready to assume in public service. I am confident that the 'Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region' program participants will not only learn themselves but also teach us much. We are interested in talented personnel and will make offers to those ready and willing to serve in public office,"—emphasized Gleb Nikitin, addressing the finalists of the program.

      Greeting words from the plenipotentiary representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Volga Federal District, Igor Komarov, were conveyed to participants by Deputy Plenipotentiary Igor Panshin.

      "Participation in this program is a call to action, a recognition of those who are unafraid of challenges and ready to take responsibility and lead—something you have repeatedly demonstrated through your dedicated service. I am confident that this program will become a strong catalyst for developing Nizhny Novgorod Region’s personnel potential, foster new success stories, achievements, and reasons to be proud of our country,"—noted Igor Panshin.

      At the opening ceremony, Dmitry Krasnov highlighted that people involved in the special military operation possess a unique experience.

      "In military conditions, decision-making cycles are compressed to a minimum. Those demobilized can gain a deeper understanding of civil processes. They view the world through their extreme, crisis-driven experience. Therefore, we must provide them with new knowledge so they can effectively realize their potential in solving current civilian tasks,"—said Dmitry Krasnov.

      On the day of the training start, participants of the 'Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region' program met Zakhar Prilepin.

      "Participants already have an edge—the President of Russia has tasked to replenish the personnel reserve by attracting people willing to give their most valuable—life—to the Fatherland. Moreover, the attitude towards those involved in the SVO, their professional military and political training, has always been very serious in Nizhny Novgorod Region. The region is undoubtedly one of the leading in this regard, and I am sure everything will go excellently with the current work. The highest authorities—our president, plenipotentiaries, governors—are eager to attract such individuals into public service because they are disciplined, clear-minded, and motivated to work,"—said Zakhar Prilepin.

      The educational program was presented by Ekaterina Lebedeva, Director of the Nizhny Novgorod Institute of Management—a branch of RANEPA, Albina Akhmetova, First Prorector of KUPNO, and Ivan Kalmykov, Prorector of KUPNO.

      The training program is designed for one year and includes four modules: "Public Policy and Governance System," "Economics and Finance," "Regional and Municipal Management," and "Modern Management Technologies." Speakers include leaders from federal and regional authorities, top managers of public institutions, leaders of federal and regional civil movements, State Duma deputies, members of the Legislative Assembly of Nizhny Novgorod Region, and heads of municipal entities. Between modules, internships will be held at executive authorities, local governments, and enterprises under the guidance of mentors—regional government leaders, top enterprise directors, legislative deputies, municipal heads, university teachers, and community figures.

      "Together with KUPNO, the Nizhny Novgorod Institute of Management is ready to equip veterans of the SVO with all necessary knowledge and tools for successful integration into the public administration system. Besides the core program, an individual development plan will be created for each participant, based on assessment results obtained during the competitive selection. An expert will be assigned to each participant to support them throughout the implementation of their development plan. Training for the heroes is a strategic investment in the region’s future. We are building a new management elite capable of solving ambitious tasks and serving their country with dignity,"—noted Ekaterina Lebedeva.

      In addition to the main program, each participant will have an individual development plan, supported by a tutor throughout its implementation. Starting from the second module, participants will be divided into project groups, each working on a significant regional project over the course of a year, culminating in presenting results to a qualification commission. Additionally, training sessions on family psychology, career orientation sessions, child consultations by the Nizhny Novgorod Youth Career Center, and cultural and sports programs will be organized for participants and their families.

      "By July 2026, we will summarize the program's outcomes. Participants will receive diplomas in 'State and Municipal Management' from KUPNO and certificates of professional development from the Presidential Academy. Ten finalists will also get recommendations to participate in the final selection of the federal 'Heroes Time' program without the need for testing. I wish all participants fruitful learning, effective work with mentors, and success in achieving their goals in their chosen fields. Good luck!"—said Roman Markov.

      On the first day, a panel discussion was held for the participants of the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program, involving Evgeny Chintsov, Chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod City Duma; Vladimir Pakov, Chairman of the Legislative Assembly Committee on State Power, Local Self-Government, and Regulations; and Vladimir Anisimov, Deputy Head of the Nizhny Novgorod Administration. The moderator was Alexander Sladkov, a Russian military journalist, special correspondent of DIP "Vesti," and member of the public council of the "Heroes Time" program. He also facilitated an open dialogue with the participants.

      The "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program aims to integrate and employ participants and veterans of the special military operation within the public administration system. In March 2025, an agreement was signed between the Nizhny Novgorod Government, RANEPA, and KUPNO to cooperate in implementing the program.

      Registration for the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program ended on March 31, with 1,613 applications received from residents of Nizhny Novgorod. Based on scores from questionnaires, testing, online interviews, assessments, and in-person interviews with Deputy Governor Andrey Gneushev, 60 participants were selected for the main educational program, and 30 for the next intake upon their return to the region. Those not selected for the in-person program can access a remote course.

      According to KUPNO, the average age of the 60 program participants is 38 years; 75% have higher education. The group includes 1 woman and 59 men. Among all participants, there are 91 awards received for honorable military service.

      Press release Photos: Maksim Gerasimov, photo.pravda-nn.ru, and KUPNO press service