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 2025 Specialization Program are not yet open. Learn more about the General Program that will be offered in the Spring of 2025.