Application Process

Application Process for 2010-2011 is officially open!

The Emerge California application process for the 2010 class is officially open!  We are actively recruiting women for the 2011 class  and you can click here to download the 2010-2011 Emerge California Program Overview and Application.

Recruitment Sessions

Emerge California information sessions will take place from 6:15-7:30 at the locations below. Click on a session to RSVP and obtain exact location details.

Thursday, 9/2 - San Francisco County - San Francisco

Selection Criteria

Emerge California seeks bright, self-motivated women who are committed to effective political leadership and are committed to run for elective office and who have:

• evidence of political leadership experience or potential, and meaningful involvement in workplace or community
• interest in running for political office
• demonstrated ability to bring together disparate groups to achieve a goal
• ability and desire to build effective networks
• ability to articulate a personal political vision
• demonstrated ability to inspire others
• commitment to full participation and attendance requirements of the trainings

Applicants must be women who are registered Democrats and who reside within the 11 Bay Area counties that Emerge services.  Those counties include Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, and Stanislaus.

Emerge California will select between 20-25 women from within these counties who meet the above criteria and who we believe have the potential to be political leaders.

Emerge embraces diversity and encourages applications from all women regardless of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, marital status, religious affiliation, sexual orientation or physical abilities.

Tuition

Tuition for the Emerge California Program is $1000. Tuition offsets the cost of Emerge California's out-of pocket costs for providing the weekend training sessions.  There is also a mandatory $75 materials fee. Emerge California believes that individual financial circumstances should NOT be a barrier to participation in the Program.  Partial financial aid may be awarded after admission to the Program.

Application Fee

A non refundable application fee of $50 is required and must be submitted along with a completed application.  Checks should be made payable to Emerge California.

Time Commitment

The success of the Emerge California Program depends upon commitment to the Program's entire schedule by each participant.  Over the seven-month period, approximately 70 Program hours are scheduled.  Some time outside of regularly scheduled trainings will be necessary for homework and training preparation. 

During the course of the seven-month Program, Emerge California participants are also required to volunteer for a minimum of 10 hours on a political campaign of their choosing. Successful completion of all Program and volunteer hours is mandatory to graduate from the Emerge Program.

For more information email contact@emergeca.org.