Specialization Program

Specialization

The Great Lakes Political Academy is a unique program designed to recruit and train individuals to lead successful campaigns in Michigan. GLPA runs a 12-week General Program for campaign staff each Spring that is designed to give fellows a well-rounded knowledge of all aspects of campaign management.

In addition to the General Program, GLPA runs an 8-week Specialization Program in the Fall of odd-years for each department within a campaign for fellows who are interested in specific aspects to get a more in-depth training. The Specialization Programs include different tracks in communications, finance, field, and data and analytics.

Field

The Field Concentration is designed to prepare graduating fellows for leadership of a field department on a targeted campaign. The concentration will explore advanced VAN tools; data-driven targeting, volunteer development, volunteer tracking, office logistics, field systems, and Get-Out-The-Vote best practices.

Finance

The Finance Concentration is designed to prepare graduating fellows for leadership of a finance department on a targeted campaign. The concentration will explore advanced donor research, call-time management, donor prospecting, finance planning, direct mail solicitation, online fundraising, and event planning.

Communications

The Communications Concentration is designed to prepare graduating fellows for a role in a communications department for an organization or up-ticket campaign. The concentration will explore advanced earned media, press relations, digital media, message development, media training, crisis control, and message pivoting.

Data & Analytics

The Data & Analytics Concentration is designed to prepare graduating fellows for a role managing data and targeting for state-level races. The concentration will cover targeting concepts, advanced VAN management, research and poling concepts, and utilizing data from research and polling in targeting.

Apply:

Applications for the Fall 2023 Specialization Program are now closed. This program will not be offered again until 2025. Learn more about the General Program that will be offered in the Spring of 2024.