Political Academy

Program Overview

What You’ll Gain

• Practical Campaign Management Skills: Develop the skills to plan, manage, and execute competitive political campaigns through hands-on training and real-world exercises.

• Expert Instruction: Learn directly from experienced campaign managers, strategists, and political professionals working across Michigan.

• Professional Connections: Build relationships with fellow participants, experienced political professionals, and GLPA's statewide alumni network.

• Leadership & Professional Development: Strengthen your strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills to prepare for greater responsibilities on campaigns.

• Career Preparation: Gain the knowledge, experience, and professional relationships to launch or advance a career in progressive politics.

Curriculum

The General Program provides fellows with a comprehensive understanding of campaign management, combining practical instruction with real-world exercises across five core areas.

Strategy & Planning

Develop the skills to assess political landscapes, build winning campaign strategies, and create comprehensive campaign plans.

• Political Landscape and Targeting

• Campaign Plan Development

• Coalition Building

Field & Organizing

Learn to develop and manage voter contact programs that build grassroots support and mobilize voters.

• Voter Targeting

• Turf Management and Field Operations

• Voter Identification and Reporting

Finance & Fundraising

Build the skills to develop fundraising plans, engage donors, and manage the financial operations of a campaign.

• Fundraising Plans and Tools

• Call Time, Donor Research, and Compliance

• Fundraising Events and Donor Messaging

Communications

Learn to develop compelling campaign messages and communicate effectively with voters through earned and paid media.

• Earned Media and Press Relations

• Paid Media and Advertising

• Endorsements and Campaign Messaging

Campaign Coordination & Operations

Understand how to manage the people, systems, and partnerships necessary to execute a successful campaign.

• Volunteer Recruitment and Management

• Campaign Databases and Data Management

• Event Planning and Community Engagement

Alumni Testimonials

“Whether new to campaigns or an experienced staffer, GLPA is an incredibly helpful resources to build skills and make key connections with other staff and leaders across the state.

- Sarah Woolsey, Party Affairs Director, Michigan Democratic Party, 2023, cohort.

“GLPA provides you with a strong network of like-minded colleagues, mentors, and trainers that truly value your development and success long after graduation. My cohort was a diverse group of some of the most talented and most dedicated people I have ever had the pleasure of working with who are all doing amazing things across the state. I can confidently say that I would not be where I am today without having gone through this amazing program and I am forever grateful for that.”

 - Brieann Sauer, Finance Director for Governor Gretchen Whitmer, 2016 cohort

"Through GLPA I built a full field plan and grew as a leader under pressure. The program has connected me to resources and people I never would've had access to otherwise, and I'm now pushing myself further with the finance specialization. I'm grateful for the experience and ready to carry it forward in my work."

- Victor Jimenez, Partnerships and Field Manager for Michigan Money out of Politics, 2014 cohort.

"I highly recommend GLPA to anyone looking to enter politics. It’s often difficult to find some way into this field, especially people from marginalized groups and communities, but the business of policymaking and campaigns has been democratized through GLPA. Without the training, I would be half of what I am. You learn so much that you can offer to like-minded campaigns and candidates."

- Jacob Welch, Regional Political Manager for Abdul for Senate, 2023 cohort.

“My experience with Great Lakes Political Academy was extremely formative. It helped me hone my skills in a number of relevant areas, make connections with new people in our shared workspace, learn from a number of experts and industry leaders, as well as set me up to be successful in all of my future jobs. GLPA helped me become a well rounded political operative who is comfortable doing field, finance, data, and comms work and the program helped me feel confident taking on every new political role I have been in. The skills I learned have helped me grow individually, while also scoring wins for the progressive movement. I highly recommend the full program to anyone who is serious about being gainfully employed in progressive political work.”

 -Jeremy Moniz, Deputy Caucus Services Director - Michigan State Senate and Field Director for Carol Glanville for State Senate, 2019 cohort.

Schedule & Expectations

The General Program meets primarily on Sundays from 10 AM to 1 PM throughout the spring, with some sessions extending to 2 PM. Sessions rotate between in-person locations in Lansing and Plymouth.

Fellows are expected to attend training sessions, complete assignments between meetings, and communicate any absences or need for remote participation. A limited number of absences and virtual appearances are permitted, with additional flexibility for fellows who live more than 90 minutes from a training location.

Attendance at the opening and closing weekends is mandatory. Hotel accommodations may be available for fellows who need them.

Apply Today

Applications are now open for the Spring 2027 General Program!

GLPA seeks motivated individuals who are committed to progressive politics and interested in developing the skills necessary to lead successful campaigns.

To apply, candidates must submit:

• A completed application

• A current resume

• A one-page cover letter describing their political and professional goals

• Contact information for three references

Applications are reviewed by a selection committee of experienced campaign professionals. Fellows are selected based on their experience, work ethic, and potential for success in campaign leadership. Interviews will be held in late November and throughout early to mid-December. Applicants will be notified by early January.