How to Apply

Applications Open: Sept. 1

Round 1 (Priority Funding) Application Deadline: Dec. 1, 2023

Round 2 Application Deadline (extended): Feb. 19, 2024

Applicants will be notified of the admission committee's decision by mid March, 2024.

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.

Who is NOT eligible to apply:

  • Candidates who have officially declared that they are running for office by March of 2024 are not eligible to apply. Those who plan to declare their candidacy later in 2024 may apply.


Admissions Requirements

Applicants need:

  • A current résumé or CV highlighting relevant experience. You can upload your résumé directly onto your application. 
     
  • One letter of recommendation. Recommendation letters should come from individuals who can speak to your professional accomplishments and potential for growth as a campaign worker or candidate. Referees will receive an email from the LBJ WCS team with a link to complete their letter. 

    Letters of recommendation will include short answers to the following questions, as well as a multiple-choice section rating the applicant's public service, leadership, and communication skills. 
     
    1. In what capacity do you know the applicant? (300 characters) 
       
    2. What would make this applicant an excellent candidate or campaign manager? (1,000 characters) 
       
    3. Our program is designed to build the skills necessary to run for office or manage campaigns. With this in mind, what aspect of the applicant's leadership needs the most improvement and why? (1,000 characters) 
       
  • Three application essays (prompts below):  
     
    1.  Who are you? Tell us a story about who you are and why you care about being in public life or working in politics. This response can be written or be submitted via a one-minute video. (2,500 characters) 
       
    2.  Upon completion, how do you plan to use your Campaign School experience? This is your opportunity to share what office you plan to run for or campaign you plan to manage. Please also share your long-term political ambitions. (2,000 characters) 
       
    3.  At the LBJ Women's Campaign School, we value diversity of all kinds (geographic, ideological, race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, age, socioeconomic status, and many others). Please share with us anything in your background or life experiences that has shaped your perspectives and your desire to entire the political arena. (1,000 characters)


Application Checklist

What to submit:


Application Instructions

All applicants must complete their application here. All application materials, including a letter of recommendation, are submitted online. Round 1 applications are due Dec. 1, 2023. Round 2 applications are due Feb. 19, 2024. There is financial aid available for both rounds. 

Financial aid is given on a need basis as long as available funds remain. Round 1 applicants will receive priority funding. Out-of-state applicants will receive special consideration because of grant opportunities available to Texas state residents.

TWU's (Texas Woman's University) Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership provides competitive, full-tuition grant funding to all Texas residents.

You are eligible for this competitive, full-tuition grant if you are:

  • not a full-time student
  • not a current elected official
  • not a current candidate
  • not a precinct chair

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.