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Application Period

The application period for the WA Institute for a Democratic Future (WAIDF) Class of 2026 is now open!

Our application period continues through Tuesday, November 11, at 11:59pm. The application fee is $50. If you need a few extra days to pull your application materials together, we have an extended “late application period” that continues until 11:59pm Tuesday, November 18; however, the application fee increases to $75. Financial assistance is available for those who need it.

About the Program

WAIDF is a six-month fellowship from January through June, occurring over ten intensive weekends, plus a week in Washington, DC. Programming for these weekends focuses on a diverse range of political topics. The program covers the nuts and bolts of campaigns and elections, geographic issues from around the state, and developing leadership skills with our fellows. WAIDF offers a rich curriculum, networking opportunities, and will leave participants with lasting ties to their current class and other alumni. Participants meet with elected officials, leading experts, business owners, lobbyists, nonprofit leaders, and people making a difference in their communities all over the state and in Washington, D.C. We want our fellows to get engaged in the political process while introducing them to the people and issues that are affecting our state.  Each year WAIDF graduates progressive leaders who go out into the world and make a difference within campaigns, policy jobs, nonprofits, and in their communities.  

COVID Protocols

WAIDF requires room sharing as a part of the program. WAIDF will follow all local COVID protocols and best practices for in-person programming. Currently masks will not be required for all in-person programming unless public health recommendations change.

Finances & Logistics

The full out-of-pocket cost of this fellowship is $980 (includes a $100 non-refundable deposit) – but the real world cost of this program averages to about $5,000 per class member. We have made it a point to try to remove financial barriers to the extent possible.

Many employers and unions offer various funding opportunities (e.g., grants, reimbursements, and professional development stipends) for their employees and members. We encourage applicants to ask their current or former employers and/or unions to obtain partial or complete funding to support their fellowship participation.

Please keep in mind that all travel costs, including meals, are not included in the cost of the program and will be each class member’s responsibility to cover. Carpooling is encouraged and supported in the program.

D.C. airfare is not included in the cost of the program.

There is a scholarship request option upon acceptance into the program to support these costs.

WAIDF is committed to making our program accessible to all who want to participate by providing scholarships, travel reimbursements, and payment plans but resources to further subsidize the program are limited. Admission and acceptance into the program is on a need-blind basis.

How to Apply

Prospective applicants must submit an online application form, resume, cover letter, and at least one letter of recommendation (a maximum of two letters will be accepted). Applicants must be between the ages of 21 and 39 by the start of the program, Friday, January 9, 2026. Final selection into the class will be based on an interview, to be conducted on December 6 and 7, 2025.

Please review the weekend dates below. Fellows are only allowed to miss up to four total days and cannot miss the kickoff weekend or two consecutive weekends.

Deadlines and Other Dates 

• Applications open September 1st, 2025. There was a $50 non-refundable application fee.
• Applications must be submitted by November 12, 2025 (Late applications are considered until November 19, 2025, with an increased $75 nonrefundable application fee).
• Interviews will be scheduled shortly after the final application deadline. This year’s interviews will be Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 2025.

Summary Calendar

Please note that the content is subject to change and that programming does not typically occur on Fridays. The Fridays listed are often travel days.

 

* denotes a hotel stay.

Application Form

For reference, below you can find a list of the questions included in the application. 

Personal Statement

• In a personal statement, please share your story of 1) why you are interested in participating in the WAIDF program, and 2) how your professional and/or lived experience makes you a good fit for the program. Please limit your personal statement to one page at most.

Supplemental Application Questions

Please limit your responses to 250 words or less for each question.

• How do you stay civically engaged with your community? 
• How do you work to advance equity in your professional, volunteer, or personal life?

Additional Application Material

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Letter(s) of recommendation (a maximum of two letters will be accepted)