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

      Sixty individuals selected to participate in the educational program "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" have begun their training. The ceremonial opening of the program took place at the Corporate University of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Government (KUPNO) on August 4, with the participation of Governor Gleb Nikitin. Also attending the event were Deputy Presidential Envoy for the Volga Federal District Igor Panshin, Russian political, social, and military figure, writer, and Rosgvardiya Lieutenant Colonel Zakhar Prilepin, Deputy Governors of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Andrey Gneushev and Petr Bannikov, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Dmitry Krasnov, Head of the Nizhny Novgorod City Duma Evgeny Chintsov, Director of the Nizhny Novgorod Management Institute – a branch of RANEPA Ekaterina Lebedieva, and KUPNO Rector Roman Markov.

      "The regional program incorporates all the best elements of the federal 'Time of Heroes' program but has its own specifics and is unique. The task of President Vladimir Putin to involve participants of the special military operation as much as possible in civilian life and public service will be fulfilled, and through this program, we will find those who will join our team. The main takeaway for participants will be a sense of responsibility—those involved in the SVO have already assumed and are willing to continue taking on responsibility in public service. I am confident that the 'Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region' program participants will not only learn themselves but also teach us a lot. We are interested in talented personnel and will make offers to those ready and eager to work in government service," emphasized Gleb Nikitin in his address to the finalists of the program.

      A greeting from the Plenipotentiary Representative of the Russian Federation in the Volga Federal District, Igor Komarov, was delivered to the participants by Deputy Plenipotentiary Igor Panshin.

      "Participation in this program is a call to action, an acknowledgment of the merits of those who are unafraid of challenges, willing to take responsibility, and lead by example—as you have repeatedly demonstrated through your dedicated service. I am confident this program will be a powerful stimulus for developing Nizhny Novgorod Region's personnel potential, fostering new success stories, new accomplishments, and reasons to be proud of our country," said Igor Panshin.

      As noted during the program's opening ceremony by Dmitry Krasnov, individuals involved in the special military operation possess unique experience.

      "In military conditions, decision-making cycles are compressed to the minimum. Those who have demobilized will be able to gain a deeper understanding of civilian processes. They view the world through the lens of their extreme, crisis-management experience. Therefore, we need to provide them with new knowledge so they can effectively realize their potential in solving current civilian tasks," Krasnov stated.

      On the day of the training start, a meeting was held between the participants of "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" and Zakhar Prilepin.

      "The participants already have an advantage—the President of Russia has tasked us with replenishing the personnel reserve by attracting people willing to give the most precious thing—life—for the Motherland. And the double advantage is that in Nizhny Novgorod Region, the attitude towards those who participated in the SVO, their professional military and political training, has always been very serious. The region is undoubtedly among the leading in this regard, and I am confident that everything will go well in the current work. Leaders at the highest levels—our president, plenipotentiaries, governors—are in direct need of attracting such people to public service, as they are disciplined, committed, and eager to work," Zakhar Prilepin said.

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

      The training program lasts for one year and includes four modules: "State Policy and Public Administration Systems," "Economics and Finance," "Regional and Municipal Management," and "Modern Management Technologies." Speakers include heads of federal and regional government agencies, top managers of state institutions, leaders of federal and regional public movements, members of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russia, the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, and heads of municipal formations. Between modules, interns will undergo placements in executive bodies and local administrations, as well as at enterprises under the guidance of their mentors—leaders of the Nizhny Novgorod Region government, directors of leading regional companies, deputies of the regional Legislative Assembly and Nizhny Novgorod City Duma, heads of local administrations, university leaders and faculty, and public figures.

      "Together with KUPNO, the Nizhny Novgorod Institute of Management is ready to provide veterans of the SVO with all necessary knowledge and tools for successful integration into the public administration system. Besides the core educational program, each participant will have an individual development plan based on the assessment results conducted during the competitive selection process. An expert will be assigned to each participant to support them throughout the implementation of their development plan. Training the heroes is a strategic investment in the region’s future. We are shaping a new managerial elite ready to solve the most ambitious tasks and serve our country honorably," said Ekaterina Lebedieva.

      In addition to the main program, each participant will have an individual development plan based on assessment results from the selection process. An advisor will be attached to support the participant throughout this plan's implementation. From the second module onward, participants will be divided into project groups, each tasked with developing an important project for the region over the course of a year, culminating in presenting their results to a qualification commission. Additionally, trainings on family psychology, career guidance sessions, and consultations for the children of participants will be organized by the Youth Career Center of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, along with cultural and sports activities.

      "In July 2026, we will sum up the results of the program. Participants will receive diplomas of professional retraining in 'Public and Municipal Management' from KUPNO and certificates of advanced training from the Presidential Academy. Ten finalists will also receive recommendations to participate in the final selection of the federal 'Time of Heroes' program without undergoing testing. I wish all participants productive learning, successful work with their mentors, and achievement of their goals in their chosen field. Good luck!" said Roman Markov.

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

      It is worth recalling that the "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" program aims to facilitate the integration and employment of participants and veterans of the special military operation into the public administration system. In March 2025, an agreement was signed between the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, RANEPA, and KUPNO to cooperate on the implementation of this program.

      On March 31, the registration for participation in "Heroes. Nizhny Novgorod Region" was closed. During the selection campaign, 1,613 applications from Nizhny Novgorod residents were received.

      Based on scores from questionnaires, testing, online interviews, assessments, and face-to-face interviews with Deputy Governor Andrey Gneushev, 60 participants for the main educational program and 30 for the next intake upon return to the region were selected. Those not chosen for the in-person program are offered a distance course.

      According to KUPNO, the average age of the 60 participants is 38 years; 75% have higher education. The group includes one woman and 59 men. All 60 individuals have accumulated 91 awards for honorable military service.

      Press Service of the Governor and Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region

      Photos by Maxim Gerasimov, photo.pravda-nn.ru, and KUPNO press service