Specialization Program

Specialization

The Great Lakes Political Academy is a unique program designed to recruit and train individuals to lead successful campaigns in Michigan. GLPA runs a 12-week General Program for campaign staff each Spring that is designed to give fellows a well-rounded knowledge of all aspects of campaign management.

In addition to the General Program, GLPA runs an 8-week Specialization Program in the Fall of odd-years for each department within a campaign for fellows who are interested in specific aspects to get a more in-depth training. The Specialization Programs include different tracks in communications, finance, field, and data and analytics.

Field

The Field Concentration 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.

Finance

The Finance Concentration 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

The Communications Concentration 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 & Analytics

The Data & Analytics Concentration 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

The Judicial Campaigns Concentration is designed to prepare graduating fellows for a role managing a judicial campaign in Michigan. The concentration will cover the unique aspects of judicial campaigns and non-partisan races including judicial ethics, fundraising, endorsements, and compliance.

Apply:

GLPA’s Specialization is FREE for all accepted fellows. Sessions are held in Lansing on Sundays from 10AM - 1 PM starting August 10, 2025 and ending on October 5, 2025. We will not meet on August 31 in observance of Labor Day.

Fellows are expected to attend all in-person sessions, unless they live too far from Lansing to reasonably drive in. Fellows should complete light coursework during the week outside of the Sunday sessions.

Applicants are required to provide background information, a resumé, a list of three references, and a one-page cover letter describing how they believe the program will help them accomplish their political and professional goals.

The Selection Committee, which consists of campaign experts, selects qualified fellows on the basis of experience, work ethic, and ability to learn skills necessary for effective campaign management.

The application window is now open. Please apply here. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2025.