NextWave Western Regional Bootcamp

Apply to the DNC’s NextWave Western Regional Bootcamp! 

The DNC is seeking undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in Democratic campaign work to apply to the upcoming NextWave Western Regional Bootcamp, a FREE, in-person training program for anyone interested in working full-time for a Democratic state party of campaign in 2026. No previous experience in campaigns is required! 
 

About the DNC NextWave Regional Bootcamp 

The DNC NextWave Regional Bootcamp is a new, free training program that serves to strengthen the pipeline of the next generation of campaign and party staff, and prepare them to win down ballot races for 2026 and beyond. 

This three-day, in-person training program will provide participants with specialized training based on their campaign experience level. The Campaigns 101 track is designed for early-career organizers, fellows, and campaign and state party associates who are new to campaign work and are looking to get tangible experience ahead of the 2026 election. 

The DNC NextWave Regional Bootcamp for the Western Region will be held in Phoenix, AZ, on Thursday, May 7 – Saturday, May 9. Current and aspiring campaign and state party staff from the Western region will have the opportunity to learn about cutting edge campaign strategies, apply what they learn in the program, and network with other talented campaign staff in the West. 

Eligibility
Any Democrat who is interested in working on a campaign or for a state party in 2026 is encouraged to apply to NextWave. No previous campaign experience is required, and participants will be placed into training tracks based on their professional campaign experience. 

To attend the NextWave Western Regional Bootcamp in Arizona, participants must be located within the following states to be eligible for the NextWave Western Regional Bootcamp: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming. 

Training Content

Participants are placed into one of two tracks to maximize their experience at NextWave. Track placements are based on applicants’ demonstrated experience with professional campaign work. No prior campaign experience is required for participation in this program; applicants only need to be passionate about electing Democrats down ballot in 2026! 

Throughout the program, participants will receive in-depth training, be able to network with other campaign talent and trainers in their region, and apply what they have learned through a competitive challenge.  

Location

The NextWave Western Regional Bootcamp will be held in-person in Phoenix, Arizona, on Thursday, May 7 – Saturday, May 9. Accepted applicants will receive the exact program timing and location ahead of the program’s start date. 
 

The DNC will coordinate lodging support for attendees who indicate they need it on their application, but please note this cannot be guaranteed for every NextWave participant. The DNC is unable to provide any additional travel support outside of lodging. If you are accepted into the program, the DNC National Training Team will reach out directly to applicants who indicate they need lodging support to coordinate. 

Application Deadline

Learn more and apply to the NextWave Western Regional Bootcamp in Phoenix, Arizona, here. Spots are limited. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and early applications are encouraged. The application will be open until Tuesday, April 14, at 11:59 p.m. ET. 

The Democratic National Committee (DNC), is committed to diversity among its staff, and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse staff that provides the best quality services to supporters and constituents. The DNC is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or physical disability, or any other legally protected basis. The DNC will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination and any such conduct is strictly prohibited.