2026 Western governors’ leadership institute

Park City, Utah

ABOUT

The Western Governors’ Foundation (WGF), the philanthropic arm of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA), is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Western Governors’ Leadership Institute. This program is designed to recognize, reward, and promote the effective exercise of leadership by young adults across the West.

Each year the foundation selects young adults to represent their states, territories, and tribes as institute delegates. Delegates attend the Annual Meeting of the Western Governors’ Association, as well as a one-day leadership development forum. The foundation covers all expenses associated with delegate participation.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants for the Western Governors’ Leadership Institute must be between the ages of 21 and 26 years old on June 29, 2026. They must also be permanent residents of western states or territories whose Governor is an active member of WGA:

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

To Apply

Click THIS link. Link will be activated November 17th, 2025.

CONTACT

Please direct any questions or inquiries about the Western Governors’ Leadership Institute to Anna Caplan at acaplan@westgov.org.

2026 Program Schedule

November 17, 2025 - Application window opens

February 6, 2026 - Application window closes

March 1, 2026 - Delegation announced

June 28 - Delegates arrive on site

June 29 - Leadership forum in Park City, Utah

June 30 - July 2 - WGA Annual Meeting