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Ready to Win® 2026 Application - New American Leaders (NAL)

Instructions

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Ready to Win® 2026 Application


Please note that this application may take 2 to 3 hours to complete. There are a total of 9 essay questions (5 with 200-word limits and 4 with 400-word limits) and several sets of questions. You can save your application and come back to it at any point before our final deadline on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Program Description

Ready to Win® is a unique two-track advanced campaign training for New Americans who want to run for office or serve as a senior-level staff member on campaigns in the next two years. This “boot camp” style program offers hands-on campaign skills needed to run and win, including how to develop a comprehensive campaign plan and build a sustainable community-based movement that fosters civic engagement and a commitment to voting through completing an intense campaign simulation. Best of all, you’ll hear from seasoned campaign professionals, top consultants, and elected officials from across the country who have run for office and won. Applicants can apply for two tracks: the Candidate Track or the Campaign Leadership Track.

The Candidate Track prepares future and current candidates with media training, the opportunity to receive stump speech feedback, and strategies on how to best message to and connect with voters. This track also dives into fundraising and call time, preparing future candidates to make successful asks and determine their fundraising network. You will have the opportunity to be in community with fellow candidates and campaign staffers as you start strategizing for your campaign with the support of other New American Leaders from across the country.

Our Campaign Leadership Track prepares future campaign staffers with exploring team management, identifying and engaging New American communities, and how to keep volunteers and supporters engaged. You will learn about finance rules and compliance, as well as field and fundraising strategies to help your candidate win. Ready to Win will offer you the opportunity to step into a career in campaign management with the right skills and network. 

Read more about Ready to Win® and what to expect here.

Schedule 

Ready to Win® is a four-day immersive campaign training scheduled from August 28th - August 31st (location to be announced). Your full participation is required to be accepted. NAL cannot accommodate any conflicts with these dates. If a conflict arises that does not allow you to be present for these four days, you may no longer be able to participate.

Leading up to the in-person training, we will host six virtual sessions ranging from 90 to 120 minutes. The virtual sessions will run every Wednesday between July 8th - August 12th for both tracks. These sessions are mandatory attendance; if you cannot join a session, mandatory viewing is required.

Virtual Sessions Description

Ready to Win® is a fast-paced training that covers a wealth of information for those seeking to run for office or work on campaigns. To ensure all participants can fully absorb and engage with the material, we've added virtual sessions. Through these sessions, we will build shared language and establish a baseline for Ready to Win.

Virtual Session Expectations 

Leading up to the in-person training, we will have five virtual sessions ranging from 90 to 120 minutes. Past sessions we have hosted include Building a Field Plan, Concrete Steps in Declaring Your Candidacy, and Building a Campaign Rooted in the Immigrant Experience. The virtual sessions will run every Wednesday between July 8th - August 12th for both tracks.

These virtual sessions are integral to the training experience. They build off each other and complement what you'll learn in person. To make the most of the training, please make every effort to join the virtual sessions. These sessions are mandatory; if you cannot join a session, mandatory viewing is required. We request active participation and have cameras on from all attendees during these virtual sessions.

Session 1: July 8th at 4:00pm PST/7:00pm ET
Session 2: July 15th at 4:00pm PST/7:00pm ET
Session 3: July 22nd at 4:00pm PST/7:00pm ET
Session 4: July 29th at 4:00pm PST/7:00pm ET
Session 5: August 5th at 4:00pm PST/7:00pm ET
Session 6: August 12th at 4:00pm PST/7:00pm ET

General Instructions and Registration Fees

  • Registration, travel, and hotel scholarships are available but not guaranteed. Scholarship allocations will be prioritized during the priority deadline. Registration fees are non-refundable.
  • For in-person trainings, there is a $150 registration fee if accepted. Your registration fee covers food and all program materials. Please complete the scholarship section of the application if you feel that would be a barrier to your participation.
  • All non-declared participants who apply and are awarded the hotel scholarship will receive hotel night accommodations Friday, August 28th, through Sunday, August 31st (check out date).
  • Declared candidates are permitted to apply, but must pay the market rate fee of $400 to register once accepted. No scholarships of any kind will be available. If you declare after applying, you will be required to reimburse NAL for any discounts or scholarships you received.
  • If you start your application and do not complete it, please press "SAVE AND CONTINUE LATER" at the bottom of the page, and you will receive an email from programs@newamericanleaders.org with a link to your incomplete application to finish at a later time/day.
  • When you complete your application, please press the "SUBMIT APPLICATION" button at the bottom of the last page.
  • You should immediately receive an email acknowledging the submission of your application.
  • By submitting this application, you agree to receive email and text communications from NAL. You may unsubscribe at any time. To access NAL's privacy policy, please visit our website. 
  • Please note: If you do not receive an email from programs@newamericanleaders.org upon completion of your application, please reach out to us immediately.

Training Dates and Deadlines

Ready to Win® (Online): July 8 - August 12, 2026
Ready to Win® (In-Person): August 28 - August 31, 2026

  • Info Session: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 4:00pm PST/7:00pm EST; Sign Up Here
  • Priority Deadline to Apply: May 12, 2026
  • Final Deadline to Apply: June 2, 2026

Consent Information

This application is voluntary. You can stop filling out this application at any time if you do not wish to complete the application.

We will process your anonymized data to inform decisions about our programs. We will also use your data for research purposes in collaboration with academics at the University of Reading and the University of Durham. The goal of these research projects is to gain a deeper understanding of our programs and identify areas for improvement. If you do not consent, you will still be able to submit an application.

By proceeding, you:

  • Confirm that you have read and understood the information about this application.
  • Understand that your participation is voluntary and that you are free to withdraw from the form at any time, without giving a reason.
  • Agree for your anonymized data to be used for research purposes.
  • Agree for your non-identifiable, fully anonymized data to be uploaded into a public depository as part of research publications.  
  • Agree to take part.
  • Agree to be contacted again for similar opportunities.
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