Signature Candidate Training Program

Our Program

The Emerge training program is a unique opportunity for Democratic women who want to run for public office. It is the only in-depth training program that inspires candidates to run and gives them the tools to win. As a program member, you will be exposed to a variety of campaign and election experts. You will meet an array of dynamic women who hold elected and appointed office. Through Emerge, you are given specific opportunities to expand your political network. As an Emerge program member, you become a part of a supportive network which includes a national network of Emerge alums, Emerge board, and advisory council members.

Apply to an upcoming signature program:

Southern Regional Signature
Training Dates: August – November 8, 2026
Application deadline: August 19, 2026

Emerge Pennsylvania Signature
Training Dates: August 19, 2026 – October 21, 2026
Application Deadline: August 14, 2026

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Our Curriculum

Participants receive comprehensive training on the following topics:

Public Speaking and Communication
Fundraising
Media and Messaging
Networking
Campaign Strategy
Field Operations
Labor and Endorsements
Technology and New Media
Cultural Competency
Ethical Leadership

Tuition and Fees

Each program has an application fee and tuition. Cohort members are encouraged to raise funds towards their tuition as part of their training to be a candidate. Fundraising training and support material are provided to cohort members.

Who Trains?

Emerge trainers are comprised of a premiere team of campaign consultants, advisors, and staff from all over the country. Many of them have been involved in some of the most successful campaigns and initiatives we’ve seen in recent election cycles. They come from backgrounds that span over fundraising, direct mail, field strategy, communications, press management, and campaign messaging. They have won races from the city council to the governor’s mansion.

Program Eligibility

These eligibility requirements are meant to create and deliver the best possible learning environment for cohort members, and to ensure we are training in alignment with our vision, mission, and core values.

Applicants eligible for a Signature Program are those who:

Are planning to run for elected office in the future
Are currently registered as a Democrat and/or are aligned with the values of the Democratic Party
Must commit to full program participation, meaning attending all sessions and fully participating during the training days

Ideal Applicants for an Emerge Training

Aligned with Emerge’s vision, mission and core values

Ideal applicants are aligned with Emerge’s vision, mission and core values, and most importantly, are committed to representing these values as a potential program member and future alum.

Vision

Emerge’s vision is to change the face of power, politics and leadership in this country in order to have policies that are responsive to all.

Mission

Emerge’s mission is to increase the number of Democratic women leaders from diverse backgrounds in public office through recruitment, training and providing a powerful network.

Core Values: Our Desired Culture

Belonging
Empowerment
Transformation
Excellence
Embrace the Network
Center Equity and Justice
Communicate and Collaborate
Take Chances

Reflect their communities

Ideal applicants possess a deep understanding of the community, have a passion for service, and a vision and plan for the community once elected. As members of the community, they understand some of the challenges the community faces and aim to run for office to address them as elected leaders. As we center women of the New American Majority– Black, Brown, and Indigenous women, women of color, LGBTQ+, young, and unmarried women, we look for leaders who have the desire and skill to bring their community’s voice to the decision-making table.

Possess the core attributes and skills to serve as a successful public servant

Ideal applicants have demonstrated a desire to learn, grow, and build their skills and network for the specific goal of running a successful campaign for elected office. Some of these skills include building consensus, effective communication, adaptability and resilience, navigating complex situations, and openness to correction and redirection. Leadership is more than the title or position one holds and we believe these attributes are ones that set leaders apart.

Proven ability and continued desire to build effective networks

Ideal applicants have demonstrated an ability to inspire others to action around a shared vision. They are able to bring disparate groups together to form a consensus to achieve a short or long term goal and build lasting relationships and networks for the good of the community.

Have established a proven track record

Emerge cohort members have already found ways to lead in their community. Ideal applicants have a proven track record- whether this be in the form of community engagement, advocacy, public service and/or leadership positions within their families, communities, professional circles and social networks.

Examples include: caretakers, parents, CEO of their households, parent teacher organization board members, neighborhood association leaders, volunteering to run an issue campaign, advocating on behalf of a group or community, serving on municipal committees or commissions, leading a local or statewide nonprofit board, running a family business, etc.

Emerge Alum Status

Program members who complete a Signature Program will be considered an Emerge alum and will have access to alum resources, such as Emerge continuing education training and national networking opportunities.

It’s Time to Step Up!

We need your participation to start a revolution! We’re looking for women who are engaged in their communities and want to effect change. It doesn’t matter if you’re thinking of running for the local school board or the U.S. Senate. We can help you get ready to run!