Applications for the Class of 2026 will open on Tuesday, June 3rd and close on 5pm on September 5th, 2025.
Summary of Steps to Apply:
-
Create your application profile online
-
Submit responses to application questions
-
Upload your resume and two letters of recommendation
-
Pay the $50 application fee (or request a waiver)
-
Carefully review the program schedule, tuition, and expectations below!!!
Submit Application
To be considered for the Class of 2026, applicants must submit a complete application through the online portal by Friday, September 5th at 5:00 PM. No late applications will be accepted — no exceptions.
The application process includes the following steps:
- Create an account profile on the application platform
- Complete the applicant profile and application questions
- Pay a $50 fee (or request a fee waiver found in the application)
- Upload two letters of recommendation. (Applicants are responsible for obtaining and submitting their own letters, so we strongly recommend reaching out to your references now, as this process may take time.)
- Acknowledge (in the application form) that you have read and agree to the following policies:
Interview Round
After the application review, selected applicants will be invited to a virtual panel interview. Applicants must interview on Friday, October 17th, or Saturday, October 18th, (please save these dates in advance) in order to be considered for the Class of 2026.
Please note: to ensure a fair and objective review process, it is the policy of Emerge California not to comment on the deliberations of its selection decisions, and all interview content is confidential.
Application Timeline
Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025
Application opens for the Class of 2026
June 5th – September 5th, 2025
Emerge California Class of 2026 Recruitment Period:
September 5, 2025 – 5:00 PM PT
Deadline to apply to the Class of 2026
No late applications will be accepted — no exceptions.
Applications must be 100% complete, including submission of a resume and two references who will provide letters of recommendation on your behalf, to be considered.
There is a 5-day grace period after the deadline for the letters of recommendation from your references to be received.
Thursday, October 2nd
Notification to all applicants regarding the Interview Round
Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18, 2025
Interview Round
We recommend you hold both dates for the Interview Round, as applicants must interview to be considered for acceptance into the program — no exceptions.
Interviews will be held virtually (via Zoom). Interviews will be approximately 30 minutes and require a relatively quiet space with internet and computer access, as we require you to participate via video. If you have limited access to any of these items, we will work with you to help ensure you can participate successfully.
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Notification to all applicants regarding acceptance
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Public Announcement of the Emerge California Class of 2026!
Emerge California Class of 2026 Orientation
You only need to attend one of the sessions below.
Sunday, December 7th @ 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Monday, December 8th @ 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Attending an orientation is mandatory for all program members accepted into the Class of 2026. The orientations will take place virtually via Zoom.