Specialization Program

Develop Expertise. Lead Your Department.

The Great Lakes Political Academy's Specialization Program is an eight-week fellowship designed for individuals interested in exploring a specific area of campaign work or strengthening their skills within a particular department.

Through focused, hands-on training in field organizing, fundraising, communications, data and analytics, and judicial campaigns, fellows develop practical skills, deepen their understanding of campaign operations, and prepare to take on specialized roles in Michigan politics.

Program Overview

Specialization Tracks

The Specialization Program offers focused training in key areas of campaign operations. Fellows select a track based on their interests and professional goals, gaining practical knowledge and skills relevant to that area of campaign work.

Field Organizing

Explore the strategies and systems behind effective voter contact and grassroots organizing. Fellows develop skills in organizing programs, volunteer recruitment and management, voter targeting, and field operations.

The Field Specialization is designed to prepare graduating fellows for leadership of a field department on a targeted campaign. The concentration will explore advanced VAN tools; data-driven targeting, volunteer development, volunteer tracking, office logistics, field systems, and Get-Out-The-Vote best practices.

Fundraising and Finance

Learn the fundamentals of campaign fundraising and financial operations, including donor prospecting, fundraising plans, call time, events, and the systems that support a successful finance program.

The Finance Specialization is designed to prepare graduating fellows for leadership of a finance department on a targeted campaign. The concentration will explore advanced donor research, call-time management, donor prospecting, finance planning, direct mail solicitation, online fundraising, and event planning.

Communications

Develop skills in campaign messaging, media relations, digital communications, and strategic storytelling. Fellows explore how campaigns communicate with voters, build public visibility, and respond to a changing political environment.

The Communications Specialization is designed to prepare graduating fellows for a role in a communications department for an organization or up-ticket campaign. The concentration will explore advanced earned media, press relations, digital media, message development, media training, crisis control, and message pivoting.

Data and Analytics

Explore how campaigns use voter data, targeting, research, and reporting to inform strategy and make decisions. Fellows develop a practical understanding of the tools and analytical approaches used in modern campaigns.

The Data & Analytics Specialization is designed to prepare graduating fellows for a role managing data and targeting for state-level races. The concentration will cover targeting concepts, advanced VAN management, research and poling concepts, and utilizing data from research and polling in targeting.

Judicial Campaigns

Examine the unique considerations involved in running judicial campaigns, including candidate positioning, voter education, communications, and the legal and ethical considerations associated with judicial elections.

The Judicial Campaigns Specialization is designed to prepare graduating fellows for in-demand roles as campaign managers and staff on judicial campaigns in Michigan.

What You'll Gain

Through the Specialization Program, fellows will:

  • Develop practical skills in a specific area of campaign operations.

  • Learn from experienced political professionals working in their chosen field.

  • Build an understanding of the strategies, tools, and responsibilities associated with specialized campaign roles.

  • Strengthen their professional network and connections within Michigan politics.

  • Gain confidence and preparation to pursue new opportunities or take on additional responsibilities.

Program Schedule & Expectations

The Specialization Program takes place over eight weeks during the fall of odd-numbered years.

Fellows participate in focused training sessions, practical exercises, and discussions led by experienced campaign professionals. The program emphasizes active participation, collaboration, and applying new skills to real-world campaign scenarios.

Participants should be prepared to attend scheduled sessions, engage with instructors and fellow participants, and complete any assigned activities.

Specific dates, locations, and additional program details will be announced ahead of the next fellowship.

Applications

Next Program: Fall 2027

Applications for the next Specialization Program will open in the spring of 2027.

Interested applicants are encouraged to check back for information about available tracks, program dates, and the application process.

No previous GLPA fellowship participation is required to apply.