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Public Service Leadership Course

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.

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.

2025 Facilitator, Mark R. Mills (L), President of Mills Strategic Communications, and Class II members were hosted by the American Center for Public Leadership at Southeastern University.

Attendance

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

Selection Process

Class size is limited, and participants will be selected in a highly competitive, essay-based application. A balanced mix of class members that reflect Polk County’s diversity is important to the effectiveness of the program and will influence the selection process.

Application Timeline

  • Applications Open: Monday, January 26, 2026
  • Applications Close: February 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
  • Class Members Finalized by Friday, March 6, 2026

Note: Applicants may be contacted for additional information

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.   
  • 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:
      1. your resume
      2. up to two letters of recommendation (no more than 2 will be reviewed) 

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT SPECIFICALLY WILL PARTICIPANTS LEARN?

Through lessons from leadership experts and current Polk County leaders, hands-on activities, and observing public service in action, aspiring leaders will discover how they can elevate their real-world experience in order to accelerate the difference they can make in civic, nonprofit, or elected leadership.

Aspiring leaders will be equipped to define what matters most to them, effectively communicate, and become the person they want to be.

WHAT IS THE COST TO PARTICIPATE?

Each participant will receive a 100% scholarship thanks to the generous support of the program’s investors.

WHAT IS THE REQUIREMENT FOR PARTICIPATION?

Interested leaders must apply by February 20th through the online application. A competitive selection process will ensure a limited class size and individual attention. Participants must commit to being fully available to attend all of the day-long class days. Applicants must be current residents of Polk County and not currently serving in an elected position or running for office. Prior participation in a Polk Vision leadership program is not required.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PUBLIC SERVICE LEADERSHIP COURSE AND THE LEADERSHIP POLK PROGRAM?

Though both programs go through a selective application process, their content will be very different from one another. The Leadership Polk program consists of countywide tours that build awareness on the county at large, including hidden gems, challenges, and opportunities that are faced throughout the different municipalities that make up Polk County.

The Public Service Leadership Course (PSLC), though hosted in different locations throughout the county, will be located at one site per class day and dig deep into the course curriculum. The content is designed for leaders interested in learning more about ways to impact public policy and how to enhance their effectiveness as engaged citizens. PSLC also provides participants with the knowledge and preparation needed to pursure future elected or appointed offices and positions.

Contact Information

Ana Saavedra
Program Manager
ana@polkvision.com
863-797-6176