Application Process

Applications for the Class of 2025 are now open!

Who Should Apply?

Emerge Maryland seeks Democratic women who are committed to effective political leadership and are interested in running for elective office in 2026 and beyond and who have:

  • Evidence of political leadership experience or potential and meaningful involvement in the workplace or community;
  • Interest in running for political office;
  • Ability and desire to build effective networks;
  • Ability to articulate a personal political vision;
  • Commitment to full participation and attendance requirements of the training.
  • Applicants must be women who are Democrats and who reside in the state of Maryland.

Emerge Maryland will select up to 20 women from across the state who meet the above criteria and who we believe have the potential to be political leaders.

Emerge Maryland embraces diversity and encourages applications from all women regardless of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, marital status, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or physical ability.  Our mission to build the bench of Democratic women ready to run for office acknowledges both systemic and historic barriers to running for office as well as the barriers women impose on themselves.

To be considered for the Emerge Maryland training program, applicants must complete a written online application. A selection committee will evaluate written applications, and qualified applicants will be invited to an in-person or virtual interview. Invitations to join the class will be extended within a week of the interviews.

Time Commitment

The Emerge Maryland program’s success depends upon each participant’s commitment to the program’s entire schedule.  Some time outside of regularly scheduled training will be necessary for homework and training preparation. While emergencies sometimes arise, attendance is mandatory, and absence for any reason may result in dismissal from the program.  Please review the schedule below to ensure your availability to attend every training day.

2025 Training Dates – Save these dates- Attendance in all classes is mandatory.

Classes are in-person unless otherwise stated and depending on the state of the virus.
In-person classes will meet from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm – locations TBA.
Virtual classes will begin at 9:30 am and end at about 4:00 pm.

Training dates are all on Saturday except for one.
Please reserve these dates on your calendar now.

1/11/2025
2/1/2025
2/22/2025
2/26/2025  – Weekday
3/15/2025
3/29/2025
4/26/2025
5/3/2025
5/17/2025

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee of $35 must be submitted along with a completed application.  The application fee can be paid online or mail a check payable to Emerge Maryland P.O. Box 185, Monrovia, MD 21770. contact@emergemaryland.org

Tuition

Participation in the Emerge Maryland program requires tuition of $500.  Please note that travel expenses are not included. There is another $500 obligation to be raised through each program member’s fundraising efforts for the program.  The total obligation is $1,000.00. (ask about financial assistance*)

This money offsets but does not nearly cover the cost of Emerge Maryland’s out-of-pocket costs for providing the training sessions. Emerge Maryland believes individual circumstances should NOT be a barrier to participating in the program.

*Partial financial aid may be awarded after admission to the program. A completed application for this aid will be required. This does not cover the fundraising requirement.

If financial concerns are holding you back from completing your application, please reach out to Executive Director Diane Fink at diane@emergemaryland.org  Financial need should not be a barrier to applying to the program.