Legislative Academy
Great Lakes Legislative Academy
The Great Lakes Political Academy is proud to announce a new 7-week free fellowship program for current and aspiring legislative staffers to develop policy, serve constituents, manage legislative offices, communicate effectively, and navigate Michigan’s political and governmental ecosystem.
Through hands-on training, expert guest speakers, mentorship, and practical assignments, fellows will develop the skills needed to support effective legislative offices and advance progressive policy priorities.
The curriculum will cover Michigan’s political and legislative landscape, legislative processes and bill development, policy research, constituent services, communications, office management, team leadership, and the day-to-day responsibilities of key legislative staff roles.
Curriculum Overview:
Opening Weekend (Jan 16&17): Michigan’s Legislative and Political Ecosystem
Week 2 (Jan 23): Constituent Services and District Engagement
Week 3 (Jan 30): Policy Research, Bill Writing, and Legislative Strategy
Week 4 (Feb 6): Office Management and Team Leadership
Week 5 (Feb 20): Legislative Communications and Public Engagement
Week 6 (Feb 27): Coalition Building, Appropriations, and Legislative Influence
Week 7 (Mar 7): Ethics, Leadership, and Capstone Simulation
Schedule:
Opening weekend will be a full weekend training in Lansing on Saturday and Sunday, January 16-17, 2027.
The Legislative Academy will then meet the following Saturdays from 10 AM - 1 PM in Lansing with the exception of President’s Day weekend on February 13.
The fellowship will begin with opening weekend on January 16-17 and meet for 7 Saturdays in total. The program will observe President’s Day weekend, skipping the February 17th and conclude March 7, 2027.
There will be some outside classwork required related to homework and assignments.
Applications Now Open:
Applications are now open for the Great Lakes Legislative Staff Academy.
Space is limited. Please provide thoughtful answers in your application and interview.
Interviews will begin in December. Final selections will be made in early January.
If you are interested in applying for GLPA or any other programs, you must complete that application separately.
To Apply:
You must answer all required questions on the application.
Provide 3 references including contact information
Upload a cover letter and resume
Complete the application for the Great Lakes Legislative Staff Academy here.