Frequently Asked Questions

Aspiring political candidates at all levels of government. Whether you’ve previously run for office or are brand-new to politics, we provide the training, support, and network you need to run a successful campaign in the next one to three years. We help you step into the political arena with knowledge and confidence.

Aspiring campaign managers. If you want to play a key role in electing your dream candidate, we can teach you how to organize a winning campaign that is feasible, competitive, and compelling to voters.

We are a hands-on, bipartisan, accessible program that is based out of one of the top public policy schools in the U.S.

We take the time to meet each of our participants individually and learn how best to help them achieve their short- and long-term goals. We carefully match those who opt in to our mentorship program with elected officials and campaign staff who can help provide one-on-one support toward reaching specific political goals.

We welcome participants from all points on the political spectrum and encourage open, respectful dialogue while undergoing training. We have built a robust, engaged network of alumni who know that understanding and acknowledging political differences is essential to maintaining a strong democracy.

Our in-depth, hybrid program combines a three-day in-person intensive session with a six-month, easy-to-navigate online curriculum, so that even the busiest people can have access to the training they need to successfully enter politics.

We are connected to real-world policy and high-stakes politics. Based in Texas's capital and rooted in the public policy know-how of the LBJ School of Public Affairs, participating in our program will give you a unique perspective on the real-world challenges facing everyday Americans in a state that shapes political conversations nationwide.

No. The LBJ Women's Campaign School is an inclusive training program with a curriculum geared toward helping individuals who are traditionally excluded from the public sphere. People of all gender identities are encouraged to apply.

Part 1: In-person kickoff

Our three-day intensive training will take place in Austin May 21-23, 2025. This is a full-day event, so participants should plan to take time off work to attend.

Part 2: Live online education (4-10 hours per month)

You'll engage in a mix of interactive live online sessions and independent work designed to build your skills and expand your network. Below is the breakdown of what you can expect:

• Five online class sessions: 2.5 hours each
• Six mentorship sessions: 1 hour each
• Two networking sessions: 1.5 hours each
• Homework: 4-6 hours of work per month
• One 2-on-2 media training: 1 hour

Part 3: Online team campaign plan competition

In the fall, the campaign plan competition will take place over one week and requires a significant time commitment. We ask participants to avoid scheduling evening events or weekend travel during this time, though the competition is designed so that no additional leave from work is necessary.

Full participation is required for all activities.

No. The purpose of this training program is professional development and no academic credit will be issued.

A month prior to our in-person training, we typically send out pre-work that includes supplementary reading and a request for a short, introductory video from each new cohort member, about a two- to three-hour time commitment.

Participants will cover their travel expenses, but we offer a discounted rate in our room block at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center, a 12-minute walk from the Texas State Capitol.

We are committed to making our training accessible to all participants. If you need accommodation or other support, please let us know on your acceptance form, and we will do all that we can to make it possible.

Our official dress code is business casual, but we wish all participants to be comfortable in their physical selves and surroundings. Participants typically dress up for our Cohort Welcome Reception and the final day is more casual. Please wear what makes you feel best!

Our training program is made possible by generous philanthropic support, allowing us to keep costs accessible for all participants. Full tuition for our seven-month program is $1,800, which is heavily subsidized. The $1,800 tuition fee reflects our fundraising efforts, as the actual cost per participant—including media training, education software licensing, administrative expenses, and speaker honorariums — exceeds $5,000. We also offer competitive, need-based scholarships that cover partial or full tuition. Additionally, eligible Texas residents can apply for a full-tuition grant from the Center for Women in Government at the Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership at Texas Woman's University. These grants are awarded based on a combination of merit and financial need. To find out if you are eligible, please check out our admissions and financial aid page.

Current candidates and elected officials are not able to receive tuition subsidies from philanthropy. As a result, they are responsible for the full tuition amount of $5,000.

We also encourage participants to fundraise for their tuition. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into political fundraising and helps build early relationships with future campaign donors. Many participants have found that the supporters they engaged during their LBJWCS fundraisers later became key contributors when they launched their campaigns. As an added benefit, those who choose to fundraise will be invited to an exclusive political fundraising workshop led by an industry expert.

If you want to run for office or manage a campaign, we will help you make it happen.