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High School Program

Two women stand together smiling. The woman on the left, Congresswoman Judy Chu, is wearing a pink blazer and the woman on the right, Elaine, is wearing a gray shirt.

2024 High School Program

Program Dates
Virtual Program Kickoff
June 5 and June 12

In Person Program
June 26 - 28
Washington, DC

Program Fee
$2,500*
need based scholarships available
program fee includes lodging for the nights of June 25, 26, and 27 and food on June 25 - June 28.  
it does not include travel to and from Washington, DC.
*graduating seniors are eligible to apply

*Running Start spends $5,250 per High School Program participant. The cost is covered by corporate donations and program fees paid by participants. Each participant is asked to pay a program fee based on their financial ability to do so. Every participant receives a scholarship ranging from about 50% - 90%. The participant program fee is $2,500. Participants can apply to be considered for a program fee between $500 - $2,500 if they are not able to pay $2,500. 

Application Details
rolling acceptances
submit your application by 11:59 PM EST on April 5. 

Spend the summer learning to run for office.

Do you want to change your community for the better?
Is it hard to find a group of friends who also care about politics?
Want to get politically involved, but don’t know where to start?

This program is for you!

You’ll develop leadership skills in a supportive, nonpartisan setting.
You'll learn from high-level political mentors and women in Congress.
You’ll also make lifelong friends in a campaign simulation.

Rana Abdelhamid, a High School program alum, is wearing a blue shirt and a hijab with a decorative print. She is standing in front of a marble column.

The diverse community of politically ambitious women in the High School Program

helped me see myself as a candidate. 

It makes me optimistic about our country’s future.

Rana Abdelhamid, Alum
Former Candidate, NY's 12th Congressional District

100%

of participants are more interested in running for office because of the High School Program

Every interaction was met with overwhelming support.

It was these connections that made the High School Program

a once-in-a-lifetime experience and helped me

feel belonging among a group of amazing people.

Ellie Hodges, Alum

Can we keep in touch? 

Sign up to learn more about the High School Program, and keep up with Running Start! 

By providing your cell phone number, you agree to receive calls and texts to your number from Running Start about issues and ways to get involved. Msg frequency varies. STOP to quit. Msg and data rates may apply.

Thank you to our sponsors

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