The application window for the Emerge CA Class of 2026 opens on June 3rd and ends at 5 PM on September 5th.
About the Program
Emerge California’s signature program is a 6-month, hybrid candidate training for Democratic women who are preparing to run for elected office.
We are committed to building a reflective democracy. That means recruiting and training Democratic women from communities historically excluded from political power — including Black, Brown, and Indigenous women, women of color, LGBTQ+ women, young and unmarried women, and others within the New American Majority.
Our program equips future candidates with the tools, training, community, and confidence to run — and win — with purpose. Since our founding, more than 900 women have completed the program and gone on to lead as elected officials, commissioners, party leaders, nonprofit executives, organizers, and more.
Why Apply
Emerge California’s program is more than just a training — it’s a launchpad.
As a participant, you’ll gain:
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A deep bench of skills: campaign planning, fundraising, public speaking, digital communications, and more
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Access to a powerful network of elected officials, campaign professionals, and alumnae across the state
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A community of women who share your values, your drive, and your commitment to justice and equity
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Membership in the Emerge Sisterhood, a support system that lasts long after the program ends
Emerge alumnae win 70% of the time — and they lead with boldness, authenticity, and vision.
Who Should Apply
We’re looking for Democratic women who:
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Are committed to equity and reflective leadership
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Have a track record of service, activism, or community leadership
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Plan to run for office in the next 1–3 years
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Live in California and identify as women
We understand the unique barriers women face when running for office — especially women from marginalized communities. That’s why our training is designed by and for women with lived experience and a deep desire to transform systems from the inside out.
Program Policies: Travel, Tuition, Scholarship & Grants, Fundraising & Attendance
*Cohort Regions & Travel Policies*
The Emerge California Program will have at least two geographic cohort regions for the Class of 2026, one for Southern California and one for Northern California.
For our in-person trainings, the following travel policy applies:
Full class training with overnight travel will be reimbursed up to $200 maximum for those who need to fly to the training location and for those who need to drive more than 100 miles. Miles driven over 100 are reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate.
For two-day training sessions only, Hotel stays (double occupancy) will be covered by Emerge California and are mandatory, regardless of where you live. Program Members must stay at the hotel selected by Emerge California. If program members choose to room individually, they will pay the full cost of their room and must use the registration method provided by Emerge California.
For regionally-based training, no hotel stays will be needed.
Ground transportation will be reimbursed for those who need to drive more than 100 miles to a regional training location. Miles driven over 100 are reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate.
*Tuition, Scholarships, and Grants Acknowledgement*
Tuition for the Emerge California Candidate Training Program is $1,500.
This covers program delivery costs. You may pay in full, through a monthly payment plan, or by fundraising for your tuition (in addition to your program fundraising commitment).
Financial support is available to ensure that cost is not a barrier for any applicant.
- Program Scholarships: Up to $750 tuition reduction
- Child Care Grant: Up to $350 tuition reduction to help with caregiving needs
We encourage applicants to think about all possible costs when applying, such as travel, tech needs, and child care.
Each application is reviewed individually and confidentially. We do not share details about the review process, but we are committed to equity and will work with every accepted applicant to create a personalized plan to make the program affordable.
Please note: Current candidates for elected office are not eligible for scholarships or grants.
As a non-PAC 527 organization, Emerge California is prohibited from providing financial support to current candidates. If this applies to you, please contact us at contact@emergeca.org to discuss your options.
*Fundraising Commitment Acknowledgement*
To help program members develop their fundraising skills, each program member is required to fundraise a minimum of $1,000 for Emerge California during the training program.
These funds go directly back to Emerge California to train the next class. This fundraising component is in addition to the $1,500 tuition cost of the program and it is expected that program participants will fully meet this obligation through their fundraising efforts based on the fundraising training we provide.
Emerge California is committed to helping Democratic women become excellent fundraisers, and raising funds for the organization is one of the best—and most fun—ways to build this skill.
*Attendance Policies*
Please review the Training Schedule before applying.
Our 6-month hybrid training program requires full attendance and active participation. This includes attending all mandatory training days (both in-person and virtual), completing regular assignments, and submitting a final Campaign Toolkit. Missing any session may affect your ability to graduate and become an Emerge California Alum.