[Return HERE for the application link]
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!!!
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:
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 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.
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 cannot provide financial support to current candidates. If this applies to you, please contact us at contact@emergeca.org to discuss your options.
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.
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.
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.