Political Leaders Program Application
Instructions
1. PLEASE NOTE: This is an online application. There is no way to save a partially completed application and return to work on it later. For this reason, we recommend that you prepare everything you will need to complete the application in advance.
2. We are not currently accepting applications for the Political Leaders Program (PLP). We typically begin accepting PLP applications in September. During that time a link will be available at the bottom of this page that will take you to the online application. Again, please remember to prepare everything you will need prior to filling out the online application. There is no way to save your work and return to it later.
3. The PLP application includes a series of short essay questions in addition to some basic contact and background information. See below for details.
4. Competition for a spot in the Sorensen Institute's flagship Political Leaders Program is particularly rigorous. We routinely receive up to two or three times as many applications as we have space available in the class.
Essay Questions
The PLP online application includes a number of short-answer essay questions. Each question requires a 250 to 500-word answer. Be aware that the essays are a significant part of the selection process and very important to making admissions decisions. The essay questions on the Political Leaders Program online application are as follows:
* Describe your recent leadership activities. What do you consider to be your highest leadership achievement so far?
* What academic, community, governmental, political, professional or other activity are you most proud of? What barriers have you encountered while pursuing this activity?
* Have you ever run for political office? When? What was the outcome? What did you learn? What are your long-range political goals?
* What does state or local government in Virginia do well?
* What would you like to change about government in Virginia?
* What specific skills, knowledge or resources do you hope to acquire as a result of participating in the Sorensen Institute Political Leaders Program?
Contact/Background Information
You should also be prepared with the following information to successfully complete the PLP application:
* How did you learn about the Sorensen Institute?
* Current employment: employer, your title, your supervisor, work address and phone number
* Education: high school, college, graduate school, and any relevant non-degree training programs
* References: list two people (with phone numbers) who we can talk to about your commitment to public service, community service, and general character.
* Past Employment: list any past employers including your title, supervisor, and dates of employment
* Activities: list any past organizations and activities that you have been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to public service, community involvement, and/or volunteer work.
* Contact information: your current mailing address, home phone, work phone, cell phone, and email address
Please remember, once you start the application there will be no way to save partial work
so make sure you have everything you need to complete the application.
If you have any questions about the PLP application,
call Marc Johnson at (434) 982-4527.
