VLI Class of 2026 Application

The Vermont Leadership Institute, a program created by The Snelling Center for Government, seeks out, honors, challenges, and develops a select group of Vermont citizens who have the potential to provide the leadership needed to address issues of statewide significance. Associates are selected on the basis of demonstrated interest in their community, achievement in their professions, and potential for responsible and effective leadership. VLI provides a unique opportunity for associates from the private, public and non-profit sectors to engage with each other over the course of the program. In order to create a successful cohort of associates, VLI encourages applicants from a variety of perspectives and welcomes all forms of diversity including racial, religious, gender, sexual orientation and political/ideological diversity.

Through this application process, we want to get to know you, your ideas, and your vision for improving your community and Vermont. If you need additional space beyond that provided in this application, you may send additional information separately (please try not to exceed two extra pages).

**We are still accepting applications on a rolling basis - please apply asap***

As part of the selection process, you will be asked to participate in an interview. We select a majority, if not all, of the class in June and then fill any remaining slots on a rolling basis if needed.

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Please attach a high resolution photo (headshot).

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Briefly describe your job responsibilities and the nature of your work.

What do you consider your most significant contribution(s) and/or achievement(s) related to your work?

Please share (in order of importance to you) civic, political, religious, professional, social or other activities in which you have been involved. List, in this order: organization, nature of organization, your role or position, dates.

Why did you become involved with the organizations that you listed above?

What did you learn from your involvement?

If you have not previously been involved in community life, what has changed to allow more involvement now?

Please describe your professional path; descriptive and/or list employers, titles, key responsibilities, highlights and challenges.

Please list all the schools you've attended, beginning with high school. Please include any graduate or specialized programs. List institution, degree, major/specialty and year completed.

What do you think are the three most pressing issues facing Vermont over the next ten years? Please share a paragraph about each. Use this box for issue 1.

This box for issue 2

This box for issue 3

What are your future civic and professional goals?

What do you hope to gain from your Vermont Leadership Institute experience?

What contributions will you make to the Vermont Leadership Institute experience?

What do you envision as your key challenges to dedicating the time, energy and attention required for full participation in this program? How do you intend to address these challenges?

Please share the names and contact info for two people* aware of your leadership potential and whom we may contact regarding your qualifications.

*Please have each of your references email a letter of support to tasha@snellingcenter.org.

How did you learn about the Vermont Leadership Institute?

What is the name of your local newspaper?

VLI Contract

The Vermont Leadership Institute requires a genuine commitment of energy, time, patience and heart. Associates are expected to be on time and come prepared to each session. Applicants are assumed to value genuine dialogue and inquiry, be curious about the issues facing Vermont, and committed to the state, learning and their own personal growth. The program design acknowledges that growth and learning can be uncomfortable. We strive to create a safe place for Associates to stretch their thinking, challenge their beliefs, and try on new ideas. The VLI 2025-2026 program involves nineteen days, over eight sessions, between September 2025 to May 2026. Associates are expected to participate fully and should have the support and commitment of their employers.

I understand the purpose of the Vermont Leadership Institute.

I agree to participate fully.

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The tuition for the 2025-2026 year is $9,750 (double occupancy) or $10,750 (single occupancy) non refundable.

Partial financial aid is available for those who qualify. We encourage all interested candidates to apply regardless of ability to pay, and upon acceptance, we will work to address financial barriers to participation. There are a variety of avenues for financial assistance, and many particpants are able to pay with professional development funds.

A non-refundable application fee of $25 must accompany this application.

THANK YOU FOR APPLYING TO BECOME AN ASSOCIATE OF THE VERMONT LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE.

Important note: If your application does not submit correctly, all answers will be lost.

We therefore suggest that you copy and paste your answers into a separate document and/or print and keep a copy of your application before submitting.

My Products*

USDVLI 2026 Application Fee

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Application for the Vermont Leadership Institute