2026 Propel Program Application

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Propel Program Overview

We are proud to offer the Propel Program at Leadership Rhode Island - a transformative experience designed for the emerging leader to move them forward in the workplace. The program will consist of thought-provoking engagement and discussion, personal and professional development, and strengths-based coaching. In-person sessions will offer workshops, experiential activities, and individualized assignments related to workplace goals, all tailored to help participants grow in their confidence, professionalism, and self-awareness.

Application Process

An application packet consists of the following: a completed application, a letter of reference from your employer, and a personal interview.

NOTE: This application is intended to take between 30-60 minutes, and cannot be saved. Our suggestion is to write your responses to the Application Questions in a separate document, and transfer your responses over when you are ready to submit.

Please allow time for the following steps:

Complete the online application. Applications must be submitted by Friday, December 5, 2025.
Send Reference Letter Form to your current supervisor/manager (see detail bulleted below). One completed Reference Letter Form is required; applicants may add an additional reference to an individual of their choosing. Completed Reference Letters must be submitted by Friday, December 12, 2025.

Upon completing the application, you will receive a link to the Reference Letter Form. It is your responsibility to send this to the individual(s) writing your reference letter(s), as this link is customized to correspond with your application.

Schedule and attend an alumni panel interview

Each applicant will have an interview facilitated by an LRI staff member and alumni. Interviews are 30 minutes long, and are held virtually. We will reach out to schedule your interview shortly after your application is submitted and received.

Selection Criteria

A committee made up of Leadership Rhode Island alumni and staff will select a cohort of diverse experiences. The Propel Program is meant for employees newer to the workforce, but who have been employed at their organization for at least six months. If an applicant has switched roles or been promoted at the same organization within that time, they are eligible to apply. We are seeking candidates who are seeking to build their own sense of leadership, join and actively contribute to a functional network, and learn skills that will aide in navigating their workplace.

Tuition & Tuition Assistance

Cost of Tuition for this program is $2500.

In order to make this program as accessible as possible, Leadership Rhode Island has a tuition assistance fund available to those who demonstrate financial need. Please know that funds are limited and are need-based, which is why we require a separate application for those seeking assistance. If you are interested in applying for Tuition Assistance, be sure to indicate that in your application below. We will follow up with you after your application has been submitted, and supply you with the Tuition Assistance application.

NOTE: Tuition assistance requests are considered independently from applications for admission. Requests for assistance will be kept confidential.

If you have any questions regarding tuition assistance, please contact Lyanh Ramirez at lramirez@leadershipri.org.

**Please wait to exit the browser until you receive a confirmation message that your application has been submitted**

Personal Contact Information

First Name:

Middle Name:

Last Name:

Prefer to be called:

Pronouns

Mailing Address

City

State

Zip

Mobile Phone:

Leadership Rhode Island relies primarily on email to ensure timely and efficient communication. We require two email addresses to ensure we can communicate important information with you.

Personal Email:

Work Email:

Preferred Email:

Background Information:

Leadership Rhode Island seeks a class that is reflective of the diversity, in its broadest forms, in Rhode Island.

Birthdate:

(MM/DD/YYYY)

Birth City:

Birth State:

Birth Country:

Gender Identity:

Fluent Languages other than English:

How would you describe where you grew up?

Educational Information

Highest level of education

High School

School Name:

State

Country

HS Graduation Date

(MM/DD/YYYY)

Trade School

School Name:

Certification or Specialization

State

Country

Graduation Date

(MM/DD/YYYY)

Post Secondary Education

School Name:

State

Country

Post Secondary Degree

Graduation Date

(MM/DD/YYYY)

Major(s):

Minor(s):

Graduate School

School Name:

State

Country

Graduate Degree

Graduation Date

(MM/DD/YYYY)

Concentration:

Employment Information

Current Employment Status

Current Employer Information

Current Employer:

Current Employer Since (mm/dd/yyyy)

If you don't remember the exact date, then list the 1st date of the month that you began

Current Job Title:

Professional Role/Level:

Other (Professional Role/Level)

Current Title Since (mm/dd/yyyy)

If you don't remember the exact date, then list the 1st date of the month that you began

Street:

City:

State

Zip:

Current Industry Segment

Current Sector

Current Working Environment

Direct Supervisor/Manager First Name

Direct Supervisor/Manager Last Name

Direct Supervisor/Manager Title

Direct Supervisor/Manager Email

Application Questions

Please take time to answer the following questions thoughtfully and from your own perspective. While there is no specific length requirement, we expect each response to be a paragraph or two.

Why do you feel that the Propel Program is the right opportunity for you at this time?

Is there a certain skill or competency that you would like to learn or enhance? Or, is there a workplace goal that you are seeking to define or achieve?

Describe how your lived experience and unique perspective would contribute to an environment of growth and learning.

Please write a one (1) paragraph bio, which will be the only information reviewed by the interview team prior to your interview:

Have you previously taken the CliftonStrengths Assessment?

I am aware of the tuition amount $2,500 in order to participate in this program.

Do you intend to apply for Tuition Assistance?

YesNoMaybe

Referral & Family Relationships

How did you hear about the Propel Program at Leadership Rhode Island?

If "other" please indicate here:

Referral First Name:

Referral Last Name

Referral Email

Do you have any family member(s) who have completed LRI program(s)?

Family 1 First Name

Family 1 Last Name

Family 1 Email

Family 1 Relationship to you

Family 2 First Name

Family 2 Last Name

Family 2 Email

Family 2 Relationship to you

Propel Program Expectations & Session Dates

The Propel Program is a fast-paced experience, which will require active participation and engagement during sessions and in your workplace. Applicants must commit to full attendance at every session.

*We understand that unexpected circumstances might come up and we can address those individual situations as they arise.

Session Dates:

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Thursday, February 26, 2026 (Make-up Day)

Thursday, March 5, 2026 (Community-Building Dinner at 5:30pm)

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Celebration: Thursday, April 23, 2026

Sessions will run between 12:00pm and 5:00pm on the dates listed (with the exception of the closing celebration). Events that will run into the evening are noted in parentheses, which will be required as well. There may be additional optional experiences or gatherings offered throughout the program.

For each of the following, please confirm that you understand these expectations:

I understand I must attend all session days to complete the program, and I accept that having more than one unexcused absence will be grounds for dismissal from the program.

I accept that the Propel Program is a volunteer program, and participants do not receive academic credit, nor are they paid.

My employer and direct supervisor understand that I am participating in this program and will support my work schedule in working around sessions. Please reserve session days from 12:00pm - 5:00pm.

Do you have any questions or concerns?

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