western governors’ leadership institute

  • The Western Governors’ Leadership Institute is designed to recognize, reward, and promote the effective exercise of leadership by young adults across the West.

    Every year the foundation selects young adults to represent their states, territories, and tribes as institute delegates. Delegates attend a one-day leadership development forum featuring intimate conversations with Governors, chief executive officers, and other prominent thought leaders. They also attend the Annual Meeting of the Western Governors’ Association as guests of foundation. The foundation covers all expenses associated with delegate participation.

    ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

    The Western Governors’ Foundation is committed to being a resource for ongoing delegate success. Program alumni will have access to educational and networking events, relationship building opportunities, and career support from foundation staff.

  • Applicants for the Leadership Forum must be between the ages of 21 and 26 years old. They must also be permanent residents of western states or territories whose Governor is an active member of the Western Governors’ Association:

    Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming

    Alternatively, candidates who are enrolled members of state or federally recognized tribes and residing in the West may apply to represent their tribes. 

  • APPLICATION 2025

    NOVEMBER. 18, 2024 - Application window opens

    FEBRUARY 7, 2025 - Application window closes

    Please contact Anna Caplan at acaplan@westgov.org for an application.

  • For questions, please email Foundation Manager Anna Caplan at acaplan@westgov.org.

    For partnership, donations, and sponsorship inquiries, please contact Foundation President Jim Ogsbury at jogsbury@westgov.org.

  • “I truly believe that in 25 years from now, we will be talking about the hundreds of Western Governors’ Leadership Institute alumni who will be leading the region."

    - Governor David Ige, Former Governor of Hawai'i and Current Chair of the Western Governors' Foundation

  • There's so much you learn from interacting with your peers, current and former Governors, as well as legislators, lobbyists and industry experts. I've been mesmerized from day one ... by finding not just non-partisan but bipartisan solutions.

    - Donya Sarrafian, Delegate from California

  • The Western Governors' Leadership Institute has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. I recall a conversation with Governor Mark Gordon about political polarization. Governor Gordon spoke with me about collaborative efforts to bridge that divide, which provided me with a sense of hope.

    - Isaac Hernandez Alcaraz, Delegate from Nevada

  • It doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, all of these political divides just shatter once you walk in the room...[These] aren’t just politicians or people on screens that we see. Giving us the opportunity to meet them - this added level of personalization - is itself a huge piece of leadership.

    - Josie Thomas, Delegate from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs (WASCO)

  • The Western Governors’ Leadership Institute was one of the most valuable and unique opportunities I've ever had. It gives me a lot of hope for the future and fills me with a lot of pride that the people there were so engaged and committed to making sure the West stays a great place to live for generations to come.

    - Max Gruber, Delegate from Utah

  • The moment that stood out to me most was getting to talk to former Governor Matt Mead. It was definitely a little intimidating because I had never met a current or former Governor before, but he was just so friendly and down to earth and talkative and just so excited that I was here.

    - Grant Dillivan, Delegate from Wyoming

  • We all came together and talked about getting things done, doing good things for the region, and moving the West forward. We're facing unprecedented challenges that require new blood, creativity, and new and different solutions, and young leaders can bring that.

    -Gustaf Vanderonck, Delegate from Arizona