Clone of 2025 Public Service Leadership Course Application

2026 Public Service Leadership Course Application
The Public Service Leadership Course honors the legacy and outstanding tradition of civic, public, and nonprofit leadership in Polk County. The curriculum was developed to equip participants with the tools and insights needed to enhance their effectiveness as engaged citizens, whether through elected office, nonprofit leadership, or by appointment to government boards and committees.

Overview

This course is free of fee to qualified participants and includes lunch during each class day. In order to showcase the size and diversity of Polk County, each class day will take place in a different municipality on the following dates:

Participants must commit to being fully available to attend all five of the day-long sessions listed below. Those unable to make this commitment should apply in a future year.
- Tuesday, March 24th
- Wednesday, April 1st
- Tuesday, April 7th
- Tuesday, April 14th
- Thursday, April 23rd
Course Requirements

Class members will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Must be a current resident of Polk County.
- Not currently serving in an elected position or actively running for office. Should you declare while in class, you will be unable to complete the course.
- Submission of an online application, which includes:
  - Completion of several short essay questions
  - Submitting optional (but strongly encouraged) supplemental information at the end of your application:
    
    Your resume
    
    Up to two letters of recommendation (no more than 2 will be reviewed)
Applications will close on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m..

Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Preferred Name:*
Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Preferred Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Preferred Email*

Confirmation Email
Birthdate

MonthDayYear
Date

Employment Information
Current Employer *
Job Title*
Years in Current Role*
Job Description*

0/50

Community Connections
List, in order of importance to you, any organizations, boards, committees, or civic groups you are involved with outside of your primary job.
If you do not have additional community connections, how would you like to contribute in the future?
Community Vision
Keep in mind that your answers to the questions below are the only tool the Selection Committee has to learn about you. Give yourself enough time to complete the questions thoughtfully.

Although the boxes are large, your answers will be limited to 500 words. This text box will track the number of words for you.
What do you see as Polk County's greatest strengths or assets?*

0/500
What is the most pressing issue facing the community where you live or work today? How would you address it as a leader?*

0/500

Personal Statement
REMINDER: Although the boxes are large, your answers will be limited to 500 words. The text box will track your number of words for you.
What does "public service" mean to you?*

0/500
Why do you want to participate in the Public Service Leadership Course? How will you utilize and apply what you learn and experience in the program?*

0/500
Do you have plans to run for office?*

I'm curious about running, but haven't decided yetI'm planning to run, but haven't picked an exact timeline or officeI've decided to run and plan to be on the ballot within the next few yearsI'm not interested in running, but want to deepen my civic engagement
*As a reminder, should you declare for office while in class, you will be unable to complete the course.
Headshot
Please upload a headshot in.JPEG format. The photo must be high resolution (at least 2" x 3" and 300dbi). *

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Application Agreement
If invited to participate in the program, do you understand that full attendance during all four sessions for the ENTIRE program is mandatory for acceptance into the program?*

YesNo
I understand that attendance requirements are strictly enforced in order to maintain the integrity of the program and respect the commitment made by other program participants and applicants.*

YesNo
By digitally signing below, I agree to be bound by this commitment if I am selected for the Public Service Leadership Course. *

Clear
Supplemental Materials
Please upload your resume (Optional, but strongly encouraged):

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Please upload Letter of Recommendation #1 (Optional, but strongly encouraged):

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Please upload Letter of Recommendation #2 (Optional, but strongly encouraged):

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Should be Empty:

2026 Public Service Leadership Course Application

Employment Information

Previous Leadership Program Participation

Community Connections

Community Vision

Personal Statement

Headshot

Application Agreement

Supplemental Materials