Empowering Leaders, Building Communities

At Houston Leadership and Civics Campaign School, we envision a vibrant and inclusive leadership community where anyone with a passion for public service can find their path. We are dedicated to empowering aspiring candidates, campaign operatives, and organizational leaders with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to run impactful campaigns and become champions for their communities. Through rigorous training, personalized support, and meaningful advocacy, we cultivate leaders who reflect the diversity and strength of the places they serve.

OUr VISION:

Guiding Every Leader’s Journey

Our mission is to provide clear guidance and proven best practices tailored to new and experienced leaders alike, no matter where they are in their public service journey. We offer intentional, comprehensive training for individuals across the nation, helping them identify the right roles and offices to pursue. With strategic coaching and hands-on campaign preparation, we equip all candidates to run efficient, effective campaigns with confidence, knowing they have a supportive community with them every step of the way.

Our Mission:

Your Path to Leadership Starts Here

Whether you’re just thinking about running for office or preparing for your next big campaign, HCLCS meets you where you are.  Our three tailored course levels—from foundational basics to intensive, immersive experiences, are designed to fit your unique goals and schedule. Below, you’ll discover how each program builds your skills, sharpens your message, and propels you toward electoral success.

Let's get to work

OUR 3 PROGRAM COURSES:

Candidate Kickstart

Candidate Kickstart is a focused, half-day virtual training designed for aspiring candidates who are ready to explore running for office but aren’t quite sure where to start. In just four hours, this foundational course covers an abridged version of the essential building blocks of a successful campaign and helps you begin shaping your public leadership brand.

Who This Is For:

Whether you’re considering your first run for public office or want to build confidence before taking the next step, Candidate Kickstart meets you where you are. No prior experience necessary; just a passion to serve your community and make an impact. This engaging, interactive virtual session equips you with a clear campaign roadmap and practical tools to start building your candidate journey. By the end, you’ll feel more confident identifying your strengths, articulating your message, and understanding the core mechanics of running for office.

What You'll Learn:

  • Your Voice, Your Brand: Understand how to shape your personal brand authentically and communicate your vision effectively.
  • Getting to the Money: Learn campaign financing basics and fundraising strategies that power winning campaigns.
  • Media Ready: Prepare for media opportunities—whether scheduled or on the spot—to represent yourself confidently.
  • Small Details, Big Differences: Discover how attention to campaign details creates credibility and momentum.
  • Get Out the Vote (GOTV): Understand voter mobilization tactics that turn supporters into voters.
  • Polling & Data: Gain a practical grasp of how polling and data inform strategic decisions.
  • Q&A: Get answers to your burning questions from experienced campaign leaders.

$250 per participant

UPCOMING DATES:

  • April 2026 – Applications open March 1, 2026
  • September 2026 - Applications open August 1, 2026

Candidate Accelerator

Candidate Accelerator is a focused, high-impact 16-hour weekend training intensive designed for busy, committed candidates ready to take their campaign to the next level. Whether you’re a newcomer or have run before but came up short, this intensive course demands your full focus and prepares you to run a strategic and successful campaign.

Who This Is For:

Ideal for aspiring and experienced candidates who know they want to run but need advanced, hands-on guidance tailored to tight schedules and real-world challenges. This course is perfect if you’re ready to invest your time and mind fully, lock away distractions, and dive deep. You’ll engage with expert instructors and peers, work through practical exercises, and leave with a robust, actionable campaign playbook tailored to your goals.

Candidate Accelerator is the perfect next step if you’re serious about running and winning but need expert guidance packaged into an intensive, effective weekend program. It matches the pace and demands of today’s candidates who are ready to lead and transform their communities

What You'll Learn:

Building on foundational skills, Candidate Accelerator covers a comprehensive range of campaign essentials and advanced strategies including:
  • Crafting and executing a detailed campaign plan
  • Fundraising mastery and managing campaign finances strategically
  • Media and public relations readiness for all scenarios
  • Voter outreach, field organizing, and effective Get Out The Vote operations
  • Analyzing polling data and targeting the right voters
  • Ethical campaign management and compliance
  • Leadership development from experienced professionals
  • And much more in six focused sessions over the weekend
  • Meals included

$750 per participant

UPCOMING DATES:

  • January 30-31, 2026 – Applications open November 5, 2025

Signature Candidate Academy

Signature Candidate Academy is the ultimate five-day, in-person bootcamp for those truly committed to running for office and making a lasting impact. Designed for both new and experienced candidates, this immersive annual experience pairs you with top campaign professionals, elected officials, advocacy leaders, and experts; ensuring you leave equipped, confident, and campaign-ready.

Who This Is For:

Perfect for ambitious candidates who are ready to fully invest in their leadership journey. If you want hands-on mentorship, connections, and the skills to launch or elevate your campaign, you belong in this academy. Experience hands-on workshops covering advanced fundraising, personal branding, media readiness, grassroots organizing, data-driven strategy, campaign ethics, and more.

Arrive at 8:30 AM for breakfast and a full day of five or more sessions focused on mastering campaign strategy, public speaking, fundraising, community engagement, voter outreach, media training, ethics, and more. Fast-paced, challenging, and supportive every moment is designed to get you ready to run and win.

Signature Candidate Academy is the all-in, leadership-intensive experience for candidates who want to do more than just run—those who want to win and lead with excellence, heart, and impact. If you’re ready to step forward and shape your community’s future, this bootcamp is your launchpad.

What You'll Experience:

  • Five days of intensive morning-to-evening sessions with education, coaching, and networking
  • Daily curriculum led by industry pros, elected officials, and accomplished campaign managers
  • An actionable campaign blueprint shaped by feedback from real leaders
  • Group meals and small cohort sessions for deeper reflection and community
  • Personalized feedback, interactive workshops, and practical assignments to help sharpen your edge
  • Two professional headshots on Media Day; ready for campaign materials and media kits
  • An official HCLCS shirt to wear as a proud alum
  • Exclusive opportunities network with  fellow cohort members and mentors from across the nation

$2,500 per participant

UPCOMING DATES:

  • May 2026 (tentative)
  • May 2027 (tentative)

Unlock your unique leadership journey with the campaign training that fits your passion, schedule, and goals.

Every community needs leaders ready to lift their voices and drive real change. Whether you’re just getting started or ready for a full campaign sprint, there’s a course designed for you. Invest in yourself—build new skills, connect with a dynamic community, and take the next step toward winning your race. Your community is waiting.

Make Your Move Toward Office

Apply now

APPLICATION INFORMATION:
Participants are required to use fundraising to cover their program costs – a link will be provided upon admission to the program. Your lessons with HCLCS begin at "Welcome!! You've been accepted!"

Application Requirements:
  • Completion of electronic interest form 
  • Declaration of Interest - 2 paragraph max. personal statement
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Resume or CV reflecting relevant experience
  • 2 – minute video 

ADDITIONAL TRAINING & EDUCATION:
  • Civics for Youth - a collection of training for youth ages 5 - 24. These training courses include age group appropriate content and activities aimed at empowering tomorrow's leaders and voters. These courses are available to families, youth groups and organizations, churches, at-risk youth and schools.
  • Civics in the Community - this collection of training is aimed at families, community groups and residential facilities. These training includes content covering issues and policies related to local, state and federal government.
  • Civics Online - this collection of various civics related topics are recorded live with leaders and archived for review on YouTube

Need help deciding which course is right for you? Book a free 15-minute Zoom call 

Book a free call with our team to discuss your goals. We will answer your questions and find the perfect program fit for you.  We're here to support your leadership journey every step of the way. Let’s make sure you’re on the path best suited to your passion and schedule.

BOOK YOUR FREE CALL

WE'RE HERE TO GET YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH

The Heart Behind HCLCS

Leadership is about responding to the needs of our communities with vision, dedication, and preparation. At Houston Leadership & Civics Campaign School, we recognize the urgent need to equip individuals who are passionate about public service with the skills, knowledge, and support necessary to succeed as elected officials and advocates.

Passion alone is not enough to win a campaign or lead effectively. That’s why our school offers rigorous, expert-led training designed to prepare you for every challenge ahead. Our courses are taught by seasoned political operatives, campaign finance experts, GOTV specialists, and experienced leaders; all with proven success records.

Through decades of collective experience supporting candidates from diverse backgrounds, we’ve learned what truly separates winners from the rest: thorough preparation. Whether you are just beginning your journey or ready to sharpen your leadership edge, HCLCS is committed to helping you build a foundation for victory.

OUR FOUDER'S Statement:

Register today for one of our tailored programs and take the confident step toward leading your community with strength, integrity, and vision.

Join us in transforming your passion into purposeful action.

APPLY TODAY

Juli Mcshay
Founder & Executive Director 

Kalan Laws
Co-Founder & Director of External Relations

Media & community appearances

Hear From Our Founder's Community

“Juli McShay is knowledgeable and dedicated campaign strategist who understands the challenges that candidates face. She has a passion for the issues impacting voters. HCLCS will be beneficial to any candidate, especially those running for the first time.”

Marquette Greene Scott, Esq.
(Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives District 22 – TX):

HCLCS gives candidates the tools, confidence, and community to not just run for office, but to lead with purpose. Because leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about preparation, service and most importantly people. 

Odus Evabagharu
(Candidate for the Texas House of Representatives)

TESTIMONIALS 

"HCLCS will be beneficial to any candidate..."

"...Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about preparation..."

Learn from those who have worked closely with our founders

Frequently Asked Questions

faqs

Have questions? Find answers here to help you understand our programs and start your leadership journey with confidence.

Who are the ideal students for the Campaign School?

HCLS is open to individuals who aspire to be a political candidate at all levels. If you've run for office previously or if it is your first time, our team will equip you with the training and support you need for a successful campaign. Additionally, we prepare individuals who seek to build a career as a campaign operative - campaign manager. Our team will guide you in organizing a winning campaign, GOTV and best practices.

What is the expected commitment and attendance?

The expected commitment is the full course which you enroll in. Of course exceptions may be necessary, but we will work with you closely to be accommodate or transfer your enrollment to the next cycle as it is critical that you attend all sessions so that you can maximize the experience and absorb the 

Must I be local to Houston or Texas to enroll?

You do not need to live in Houston or Texas to enroll. 

What kind of public offices do you help aspiring candidates prepare for?

We prepare candidates for a wide range of public offices at the local, state, and federal levels. Examples include:

  • Local offices: City council, county commissioners, county clerk, courts, tax assessor, school board, and precinct chair.
  • State offices: Governor, state supreme court justices, and secretaries of various state departments
  • Federal offices: U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate.

Our training is designed to equip candidates for diverse roles within their communities and beyond.


Is there an expected dress code?

Our dress code is business casual with comfort as the priority. Wear what makes you feel like the best version of yourself.

Any information on scholarships?

We offer limited partial scholarships. Although one of our leading principles and practices for enrollees is to be comfortable with fundraising, thus the requirement everyone who enrolls fundraises to cover their tuition we do understand that hardships do arise. 

You have the passion, now get the skills to move your campaign and community ahead.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to run, our expert-led courses empower you with the skills, insights, and confidence to make your mark. Join a supportive network of future leaders who are passionate about creating real change. Don’t wait; your leadership journey begins with action.

Ignite Your Campaign Journey