2025 SAGE Program Application

Thank you for your interest in the 2025 SAGE program which will take place from November 16th through 20th, 2025.

The Staff Academy for Governmental Excellence (SAGE) is a professional leadership development program for Southern state legislative, judicial, executive and agency staff. SAGE is the nation's only regionally focused leadership development program for state government staff. This year we will select twenty-six participants to join us in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma for four days of exemplary leadership training...and lots of fun too!

The deadline for submission is August 8, 2025.

Important: This form may time out while you are filling it out. We highly recommend that you save your answers on a Word Doc and copy them into the form to avoid your progress being lost. There is also a save button at the very end of the form that will save your progress, allowing you to finish the form later.

Personal Information
Full Name*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Preferred Name (if different from above)

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Ethnicity*
Gender *
Mobile Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Preferred E-mail*
Secondary E-mail
Preferred Mailing Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Facebook Profile
Twitter Handle
LinkedIn Profile

Professional Information
State*
Your current title*
Agency/Department Name (if applicable)*
Branch of Government *
Start Date in your role*

DayMonthYear
Are you a nonpartisan or partisan staffer?*

NonpartisanPartisan
Supervisor Name*

First NameLast Name
Supervisor Email*
Supervisor Phone

Area CodePhone Number

Short Response Questions
In these short response questions, we ask you to be concise and direct as well as explanatory. This is an opportunity to allow us to get to know you as a staffer and as an individual, and these answers provide valuable supplemental information to your submitted documention.
Can you share an example of a professional challenge you faced and how it contributed to your personal growth? What steps did you take to overcome it, and what lessons did you learn? *

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Describe a situation where you went above and beyond in a role you held in public service. What motivated you to take that extra step, and what was the impact of your actions on the community or organization? *

0/500
Please provide an example of a process or system you identified that needed improvement. How did you approach the situation, and what changes did you implement to enhance efficiency or effectiveness? *

0/500
What actions have you taken in the past to promote diversity within a team or organization? How do you believe these actions contributed to a culture of excellence? *

0/500
What do you hope to gain from participating in the SAGE program?*

0/500

Biographical Summary
Please provide a biographical summary that is 150 words or less. A biographical summary, or bio, is an opportunity to briefly showcase your educational, familial, and professional background and accomplishments. They are written in third person, and typically end on a personal note on hobbies, family, or an interesting fact.

Example:

"Jane Smith began her service in state government in 2002, before transferring to her current position as legislative attorney with the Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research (BLR) in 2005. Jane graduated with a BA from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and JD with High Honors from the William H. Bowen School of Law. She is in the first graduating class of BLR’s 'Aspiring Leaders' Program.

Jane and her husband, Mike, and son Jackson enjoy spending time playing with dog Roxie, travelling, and watching college football."
Biographical Summary*

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Attachments
In order to submit a COMPLETE application, we ask you to attach the following documents. Please note that we ask you to send all the documents in good quality and in either PDF or JPEG format.

Please try to limit file sizes to no more than 1 GB each.

Required documents:

- Cover letter, addressed to the SAGE Selection Commiittee stating the reasons you are interested in applying to SAGE

- Two (2) letters of recommendation, addressed to the SAGE Selection Commiittee from state government colleagues, supervisors, or SAGE alumni

- Current resume

- Current professional headshot that meets the following criteria:
1. Framing that includes your shoulders and upper chest
2. A non-distracting background
3. Good, uniform lighting without excessive shadows on your face
4. Space above and around your head
Cover Letter*

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Recommendation Letter 1*

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Recommendation Letter 2*

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Current Resume*

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Current Headshot*

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Submission
If applicable, name of the SAGE alumni who referred you to the program:

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