Next Step

A politically inclusive professional development program

Open to all young women interested in political leadership, including Running Start alums

A full year of virtual trainings and networking opportunities: accessible wherever you live

During the Next Step program you will:

Attend virtual trainings and networking events designed to help you to excel in a career in politics and leadership
Connect with a peer network of Running Start’s 30,000+ alums online and in your local community
Form genuine connections with high-level mentors
Have the chance to share your own knowledge and skills with your fellow leaders

Next Step is for you if you are:

A young woman interested in political leadership (including alums of Running Start)
Interested in pursuing your next political or civic leadership opportunity
Staying connected with other ambitious leaders from across the country
Excited to access a calendar year of virtual programming from March - December 2026

Any young woman interested in political leadership can sign up!

Training Topics Include:

Engaging with people from diverse perspectives
Being your authentic self as a leader
Negotiating your pay package
Building your professional and political profile
Forging your support group
And more!

Program Timeline:

January 15: Sign-ups open
January 29: Suggested sign-up deadline*
February 5: First virtual meeting
February - December: regular virtual trainings

*interested participants can sign up to join Next Step at any time of the year, but signing up by January 29 will ensure you're able to participate in every event!

Program Cost:

Suggested donation for all Next Step participants based on age:
- High School: $10
- College: $25
- Young Professional: $50-100
Donations can be easily made online.

What Alums Say

"The most important thing I learned during my Running Start experience was that cultivating meaningful connections is the cornerstone of professional development."

- Alexa Marsh

Next Step

During the Next Step program you will:

Next Step is for you if you are:

Any young woman interested in political leadership can sign up!

Training Topics Include:

Program Timeline:

January 15: Sign-ups open

January 29: Suggested sign-up deadline*

February 5: First virtual meeting

February - December: regular virtual trainings

*interested participants can sign up to join Next Step at any time of the year, but signing up by January 29 will ensure you're able to participate in every event!

Program Cost:

"The most important thing I learned during my Running Start experience was that cultivating meaningful connections is the cornerstone of professional development."

Thank you to our sponsors

Horace W. Goldsmith
Foundation

Connect With Us

Next Step

During the Next Step program you will:

Next Step is for you if you are:

Any young woman interested in political leadership can sign up!

Training Topics Include:

Program Timeline:

January 15: Sign-ups open

January 29: Suggested sign-up deadline*

February 5: First virtual meeting

February - December: regular virtual trainings

​

*interested participants can sign up to join Next Step at any time of the year, but signing up by January 29 will ensure you're able to participate in every event!

Program Cost:

"The most important thing I learned during my Running Start experience was that cultivating meaningful connections is the cornerstone of professional development."

Thank you to our sponsors

Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation

Connect With Us

Horace W. Goldsmith
Foundation