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Frequently Asked Questions



The ASCENT Leadership Program supports the growth of transformational leadership across Oregon state government.

Any state employee can take part in ASCENT programs with approval from their manager. Our services are open to employees at all levels, in any agency.

ASCENT helps build a connected leadership community across state government. We believe leadership can happen from any role, and everyone can develop strong leadership skills.

Transformational leaders are purposeful, values-based, visionary, ethical and inspiring. 

These leaders build self‑awareness by asking for feedback from many different sources and using that feedback to grow. They look for opportunities to improve how their organization works. They also bring people together to help shape a shared vision for the future.

You can learn more about ASCENT by visiting the program website or by emailing ascent.program@das.oregon.gov.

We share updates through program flyers and annual information sessions. These sessions are usually held each year from June through September.

Most ASCENT programs are available in Oregon Workday, where participants can enroll themselves.

ASCENT staff can also meet with individuals, teams, and agency leaders to discuss program options or possible customizations.​​​

Oregon state government or other governmental employees who desire to grow their leadership effectiveness regardless of position.​

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ASCENT offers five programs:

  1. The Transformational Leadership Program​. This is a multi-month (typically 9) program, held once a year and offered either to a non-supervisory employee cohort or to a management/executive supervisory cohort.  Formerly known as the Managers’ Leadership Program (MLP) or the Aspiring Leadership Program (ALP) for non-supervisory employees. 
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  2. Promise of Leadership one-day workshop, typically held five times per year.   

  3. Outward Performance, 5 half-day sessions, typically held twice per year.

  4. Leader to Leader, 16 half-day sessions, designated primarily for supervisors.

  5. Authentic Leader, three-day off-site workshop, designated primarily for senior and executive leadership.  Made available upon request only and subject to some conditions.   

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You can take part in an ASCENT program through an application, self enrollment, or by working directly with the ASCENT Program Manager. Details for each option are below.

Transformational Leadership Program
The classic nine month program uses a competitive application process. Applications are open during September and include short essay questions to help assess readiness for leadership development. Cohort selections are typically announced in late November.

Promise of Leadership Workshop
This workshop is open to mixed agency groups and can be accessed through direct enrollment in Workday Learning. Agencies can also schedule a dedicated session by contacting the ASCENT Program.

Outward Performance
This option is available to mixed agency participants through direct enrollment in Workday Learning. Agencies may also request a session for their internal team by coordinating with the ASCENT Program.

Leader to Leader
This series is open for direct enrollment in Workday Learning for mixed agency groups. Agencies can schedule a session for their team by working with the ASCENT Program.

Authentic Leader Workshop
This workshop is scheduled directly with the ASCENT Program.
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This is ASCENT’s most resourced and comprehensive program. It is offered each year to either a non‑supervisory cohort or a management‑level cohort.

The program is rigorous. It includes 18 workshop days, one‑on‑one and small‑group coaching, outside reading, homework, and activities that help you apply what you learn between sessions. The Promise of Leadership workshop is also included.

Enrollment is competitive. The application helps assess readiness, willingness to grow, and alignment with leadership and self‑development goals. Program alumni recommend a cohort size of about 25 participants.

The program runs from January through September.

​The workshop is 5 half-day virtual sessions  and covers mindset content and tools from the Arbinger Institute. The workshop is offered twice per year. Maximum enrollment is 35. Tuition is $795 per person or 2 for $1400. This ​may also be scheduled directly with the ASCENT Program Manager.  ​

​The LCP 360 is a prerequisite and modules support ongoing development grounded in the LCP 360 competencies and other relevant leadership topics. Sessions are virtual. Leader to Leader is 16 total  half-day sessions.  Workshops are 4-6 hours in length held every 4-8 weeks. Cohorts range from 8-15 in size.  Tuition is $1400 per person​. Please speak with the ASCENT Program Manager about program availability.    ​

​This workshop is facilitated by an outside consultant partner, held at an offsite venue, and is reserved for senior and executive level leaders. It can be provided to intact executive teams or mixed agency cohorts.  This workshop requires the LCP 360 and is followed by a 90-minute coaching debrief. The minimum cohort size is 16 with a maximum of 23. Venue is arranged by participant agency/agencies. Tuition is $2900. Tuition does not include costs for venue, travel or meals. Please speak with the ASCENT Program Manager about program availability.    ​​​​

​The ASCENT coalition established a scholarship fund to assist with the tuition burden and is applied on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please contact the ASCENT Program Manager.  ​​


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