The DNC NextWave Regional Bootcamp is a free training program that serves to strengthen the pipeline of the next generation of campaign and party staff, and prepare them to win races up and down the ballot for this year and beyond.
About the Program
This three-day, in-person training program provides participants with specialized training based on their campaign experience level, and connects them with other campaign talent and professionals in their region. Four NextWave Regional Bootcamps will be held throughout the country in 2026.
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:
- Campaigns 101: For current or aspiring field organizers, fellows, and campaign associates with less than two cycles of professional campaign experience who are looking to strengthen their skills and get exposure to new aspects of campaign and state party work.
- Management Track: For mid-level campaign and state party professionals who understand the technical aspects of campaign work but are looking to expand their skills as managers and leaders in the Democratic ecosystem.
NextWave is regionally-focused to help better connect current and prospective talent with campaign and networking opportunities nearby.
Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to meet and network with campaign professionals across the country. Participants will be able to apply what they learn in the training by making and presenting a campaign plan with other members of the NextWave cohort.
For NextWave graduates currently looking for job opportunities, the DNC will share their resumes upon completion of the program with state parties and coordinated campaigns seeking job applicants.
Hear from one of our 2026 graduates on how attending the NextWave Regional Bootcamp helped them land their first campaign job in a battleground state.
2026 NextWave Regional Bootcamps
Through NextWave, the DNC trained and connected 300+ current and aspiring campaign and state party staff across the country in 2026. Our 2026 NextWave graduates have gone on to work as Field Organizers, Finance Assistants, Operation Managers, Deputy Voter Protection Directors, and Campaign Managers in battleground states and competitive down ballot races.
All 2026 NextWave Regional Bootcamps have concluded, but additional NextWave Regional Bootcamps will be held in 2027.
Midwest: Chicago, IL
August 26 – August 28, 2026
Eligible states included Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
South: Charlotte, NC
March 12 – March 14, 2026
Eligible states included Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
West: Phoenix, AZ
May 7 – May 9, 2026
Eligible states included Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
East: Pittsburgh, PA
June 24 – June 26, 2026
Eligible states included Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Spread the Word
Please share one of our posts to help us spread the word about this opportunity for campaign talent across the country!
Want to hear about upcoming trainings?
Sign up for the newsletter!
