How is the LBJ Women's Campaign School different?
The LBJ Women's Campaign School utilizes the resources of a top 10 academic institution combined with the network of the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library to deliver a world-class curriculum for women leaders. This first-of-its-kind curriculum in Texas is bipartisan and issue neutral. We believe that when women of differing ideologies come together in the political arena, we can create lasting societal change.
Our program provides a combination of self work, high-impact mentorship, and classroom and virtual learning. Research shows that those who participate in mentorship show an 88% productivity increase compared with 24% from training alone. That's why you will be individually matched with a mentor who will be with you at every step of this journey. This approach is unlike any in the nation.
Why should I attend?
The LBJ Women's Campaign School will give you all the tools you need to win. You will learn from the nation's top political experts, build a powerful network of women leaders, and gain the skills and confidence to take on any challenge. If you are serious about running for office or managing a campaign, apply today to bring your campaign to the next level.
When is Cohort 4 of the LBJ Women's Campaign School?
If admitted, you will be required to participate in full. Please mark your calendar for these important dates:
In-person training session in Austin
- May 11–13, 2023
Virtual training sessions via Zoom, 9 a.m.–11:30 p.m. CT
- Saturday, May 20, 2023
- Saturday, June 24, 2023
- Saturday, July 22, 2023
- Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023
- Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023
Virtual Networking Workshops via Zoom, 6:30 p.m.–8 p.m. CT
- June 13, 2023
- Sept. 13, 2023
Virtual Campaign Plan Competition via Zoom
- Oct. 10, 2023: 6:30 p.m. CT–7:30 p.m. CT
- Campaign plan due Oct. 17, 2023
- Oct. 21, 2023: 9 a.m.—12 p.m. CT
Virtual Closing Ceremony and Family Training via Zoom
- Nov. 18, 2023
What are your COVID-19 protocols?
Your safety is our top priority. We follow the guidance provided by The University of Texas at Austin. In the case that it is unsafe to meet in-person, we are prepared to pivot to virtual programming. We know how important it is to have women's voices represented as our elected officials work to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for joining us in this effort!
Is your program bipartisan?
Yes. We believe that to promote greater understanding and empathy democracy needs more spaces for bipartisan learning. We are fiercely committed to this principle and believe that great learning happens when you are around people with different views from your own. We ensure that people of both major political parties are involved in our advisory board and faculty, and recruit participants from a range of ideologies.
Is the LBJ Women's Campaign School only for those who identify as women?
No. The LBJ Women's Campaign School is an inclusive training program with a curriculum geared toward helping communities that are traditionally excluded from the public sphere. People of all gender identities are encouraged to apply.
How much time per month should I set aside for LBJ WCS programming?
You should plan on setting aside 6 to 8 hours per month for the program. Class sessions are 2.5 hours and mentor sessions are one hour, plus networking sessions and homework. The virtual campaign plan competition is more time intensive and you should plan to set aside time on the weekend and in the evenings during competition week (Oct. 10–21).
Will I receive academic credit for participating?
No. The purpose of this training program is professional development.
Am I required to participate in full?
Yes, your participation is heavily subsidized by the philanthropic generosity of our sponsors. If you accept a place in our program, you are required to participate in full.
Tuition Costs:
What is the cost to participate?
Tuition cost is $1,750.
We encourage women to fundraise for their tuition. This will give you a window into the world of political fundraising. If you choose to fundraise for your tuition, you will be invited to a bonus political fundraising class with a fundraising expert. If you are unable to fundraise your tuition, we also have scholarships available based on financial need. To apply for financial aid, please fill out the form on our website. If you have any questions please see our financial aid FAQ section under the "apply" tab or please contact Executive Director Amy Kroll at lbjwcs@austin.utexas.edu. We work hard fundraising year-round to ensure that cost is never a barrier to participation.
Everyone who participates benefits from subsidized tuition funded by our donors. The actual cost to run the program is over $3,000 per person. Through grants, fundraisers, and sponsorships, we are able to subsidize tuition for 100% of participants, bringing the tuition price down to $1,750.
FREE Tuition Grants from the Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership (JNIWL) at Texas Woman's University (TWU)
What are the free tuition grants from JNIWL?
The Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership is providing full tuition grants for Texas residents admitted into the LBJ Women's Campaign School. These grants, like admission to the program, require that you complete the program in full. This includes all homework assignments, virtual and in-person classes.
Who is eligible for the full tuition grants from Texas Woman's University?
To be eligible for the grants from Texas Woman’s University you must be a Texas resident. Full-time undergraduate and graduate students, current candidates and current elected officials are not eligible for this grant.
If you are a Texas resident accepted to the LBJ Women’s Campaign School, you will be asked to fill out an additional application for the grant which includes a check request form, W-9, direct deposit form, and a signed letter of acceptance that designates the rules of the grant and that you accept them. Additionally, you cannot have a hold on your account by the State of Texas to be eligible for the grant. If you have questions about a potential hold on your account, please contact the Texas Comptroller's office. If you have questions about your eligibility, please email Amy Kroll at lbjwcs@austin.utexas.edu
Qualifications:
What kind of experience is necessary for the program?
It is important that all participants have meaningful professional experience. This program is not designed for entry-level staff, but rather for those who are ready to run or serve as senior campaign staff in the next one to three years. We know that elected officials and senior campaign staff can come from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are looking for applicants with demonstrated leadership, a civic-minded outlook, a connection to their community and strong communication skills.
What are we looking for from applicants?
Successful applicants will have the following characteristics:
- Civic-minded and committed to public service: Uses her voice and her time to lift up those around her, votes, volunteers and has the capacity to lead toward meaningful change.
- Significant, meaningful experience: has demonstrated success in her career or other aspects of her life, is ready to lead.
- Can apply what she learns in the program: has clearly defined goals for running for office or staffing a campaign in the next one to three years (i.e., running or managing a 2024, 2025, or 2026 race).
- Skilled communicator: Inspires those around her through her communication skills, authenticity, and vision.
Is a college degree a requirement of the program?
No. However, the application is highly selective, so applicants must demonstrate meaningful experience.
Can current candidates apply for the LBJ Women’s Campaign School?
No. If you have currently declared that you are running for public office, you are not eligible to apply for the LBJ Women’s Campaign School. For the purpose of the 2023 class, this means that if you have officially declared your candidacy by early March 2023, you are not eligible to apply. This program is designed for those planning to run for office or manage campaigns in the 2024, 2025, or 2026 election cycles.
Are current office holders eligible to apply for the LBJ Women’s Campaign School?
Yes. If you are a current office holder who is not actively seeking reelection, you are eligible to apply for the LBJ Women’s Campaign School.
Application and Selection:
What is required in the application?
Applicants must submit the application form via the web platform, including one letter of recommendation. The letter should indicate support for your run for office or senior campaign staff ambitions. We ask you to share your story (written or via video), goals, diverse life experience, resume, connection to your community, and political experience.
What is a letter of support?
This is a letter that you will submit directly with your application, meaning you will see what the author has written about you. Please ensure that they cover the following topics:
- In what capacity do you know the applicant?
- Describe the applicant's commitment to public service.
- Why would this person make an exceptional candidate or campaign manager?
- This program is designed to build the capacity of women who plan to run for office or manage a campaign. What do you think they will gain from being in the program?
- Describe the applicant's leadership ability. Has she been asked to make difficult decisions, inspire those around her, and manage many moving pieces at once?
- Describe the applicant's communication skills. Is she an effective public speaker, storyteller or someone who clearly communicates ideas? Does she inspire others?
- Describe the applicant's ability to work effectively with a team.
When are applications due and when will I be notified of admittance to the program?
Applications are now closed. Applicants will be notified by early March 2023.
Nominations:
Can I nominate a woman to apply?
No, we are not accepting nominations at this time. But please, write to that one woman you know who should consider running for office and tell her about our program. Send her an email; here is a draft modified from our partners at She Should Run:
I heard about this program at The University of Texas at Austin called the LBJ Women's Campaign School and thought of you. I think you are (adjective) and I believe you have what it takes to make a difference in your community. I hope you will consider (running for office/ becoming a campaign manager). You have one vote already. Mine.
Your friend,
(Your name)