The Female Focused Political Boot Camp That Will Jumpstart Your Career In Politics

Do you dream of a life on Pennsylvania Avenue, Capitol Hill, or your state’s Governor’s Mansion? Are you serious about running for office or managing a campaign in the near future? If so, The Campaign School at Yale’s intensive summer session is for you!

Formerly known as The Women’s Campaign School at Yale, TCSYale is dedicated to preparing women of all ages, political affiliations, and backgrounds to successfully run for office and/or manage campaigns. The bipartisan, issue neutral organization hosts many campaign trainings throughout the year, but its signature event is a 5-Day Intensive Session held annually during the summer at Yale Law School. This “boot camp” is designed for women with prior political experience and extensive community involvement who are prepared to immerse themselves in a week of nonstop politics and a demanding schedule — like the one they’ll soon encounter on the campaign trail. 

The course itself covers all critical campaign topics, from fundraising to digital advertising, while also providing students the opportunity to collaborate with political experts on a case study project. Though the 2021 agenda has yet to be announced, it will likely feature presentations similar to those given during the last session in 2019. Past speakers have included Betsy Ankney, then the Political Director for NRSC, Emmy Ruiz from the Biden-Harris Campaign and now White House, and Alison Young, a prominent political commentator and consultant. Each speaker discusses a separate aspect of campaigning, with session titles like “Your Announcement Speech,” “Developing Your Message,” “Scheduling,” and “Paid Communications: Direct Mail and TV.” While all of these presentations are tailored for female candidates, some, including “Dress To Win” and “The Future Of Women In The GOP,” center on the unique challenges women in government face. 

Following the session at Yale, graduates go on to run for office at the federal, state, and local level, work in campaign management and consulting, and enjoy careers in commentary. They are also welcomed into a community of alumnus, including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Lauren Underwood, among many other key female leaders in politics. 

If this program sounds like a perfect fit, you can apply for the 2021 5 Day intensive held from June 21-25. The application includes short answer questions about your political goals, nonprofit/volunteer involvement, and experience running for office, holding office, in appointed positions, and serving on campaigns. It also requires you to submit two letters of recommendation and a photo, which must be submitted together by April 19, 2021. Program tuition is $1,800 plus an application fee, though limited financial aid is available and accepted students are encouraged to fundraise.

TCSYale is considered the best political training program for women because of its intensity, expert speakers, similarity to a campaign environment, case study project, and community. It is an unforgettable experience that will jumpstart your career in politics – so be sure to apply today.