Preparing Ethical Leaders for Tomorrow's Virginia

Sorensen helps the Commonwealth's leaders develop collaboration skills, trust, ethics, and a mastery of public policy.

Our programs bring together diverse, bipartisan groups from all corners of Virginia who are ready to focus on public service and working across the aisle. Our participants learn to shape positive political discussion, gain a a greater understanding of the widely varied regions of our state, and create meaningful policies that support healthy governments and communities.

Political Leaders Program (PLP)

Sorensen's flagship leadership development program for experienced professionals in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors who live or work in Virginia and are engaged or want to be engaged in the civic life of their locality, region or the Commonwealth.

Emerging Leaders Program (ELP)

Sorensen designed this program for Virginians in the first decade of their career who have an interest in assuming greater responsibility in the community through leadership, policy, and governance.

High School Leaders Program (HSLP)

Based on the firm belief that young people can make a positive difference in their communities, Sorensen engages Virginia high school students in public policy challenges facing the Commonwealth and prepares them for civic leadership.

Virginia College Civic Leaders Program

The Virginia College Civic Leaders Program, sponsored by the University of Virginia’s Karsh Institute of Democracy and the Sorensen Institute of Political Leadership, is open to currently enrolled undergraduate students (rising Second, Third and Fourth-Year students) who are interested in policy and/or the public sector.

Sorensen Alumni Programming

Sorensen continues to serve its alumni through special events and gatherings, speaker series, and occasional mailings.