The Equality Caucus Institute Leadership Academy
Foundational Course in LGBTQI+ Public Policy
A 10-week online course for aspiring LGBTQI+ public policy professionals ready to explore career pathways, build practical skills, and connect with leaders across the field.
Applications Open: August 10, 2026
Applications Close: September 4, 2026
Course Meets: Weekly on Tuesdays at 3pm Eastern Time
Course Begins: October 6, 2026
Course Ends: December 15, 2026
Format: Live online sessions
Learn What It Takes to Build a Career in LGBTQI+ Public Policy
This foundational course introduces participants to LGBTQI+ public policy through the people who do the work every day.
Guided by senior practitioners with experience in government, nonprofit, and private-sector organizations, participants gain an inside look at how policy careers develop, what skills professionals use, and how different sectors work together to advance LGBTQI+ equality.
Along the way, participants will explore the history and current landscape of LGBTQI+ policy, examine how legislative and administrative change happens, and hear candidly from practitioners about the opportunities, challenges, and career paths available in the field.
What You’ll Gain
Practical Tools
Understand key LGBTQI+ public policy issues, institutions, and decision making structures.
Policy Foundation
Applied Career Insight
Learn directly from practitioners about policy careers and pathways.
Develop strategies for career development, research translation, and policy analysis.
Professional Network
Connect with peers and experts committed to advancing LGBTQI+ equality.
Who Should Apply
This course is designed for people who are seriously considering or are just beginning a career in LGBTQI+ public policy. We expect participants will come from different backgrounds and experiences but share a common interest in using public policy as a tool to advance equality and a commitment to building a career that contributes to that work. This includes:
● Undergraduate and graduate students developing public policy careers
● Early-career professionals in government, nonprofits, advocacy, research, or related fields
● Community leaders and organizers working on federal, state, or local policy change
● Individuals seeking practical tools to move LGBTQI+-inclusive policy forward and the career paths to help them do that
The course is a large seminar format and is primarily designed as a learning community for people preparing to enter the LGBTQI+ public policy field. Participants should be motivated not only to learn about the public policy landscape but also how they can contribute to the movement through careers in advocacy, government, research, or related sectors. The course is not intended for individuals seeking general education about LGBTQI+ civil rights.
The Leadership Academy Experience
Weekly live seminars
1-hour sessions over 10 weeks
Direct access to practitioners
Engage with professionals working in LGBTQI+ public policy who have experience working in government, nonprofit, and private sectors
Guided reflection prompts
Weekly questions to help you connect course themes to your own career path and interests
Small-group office hours
Optional sessions with faculty for deeper discussion in a more intimate setting
Certificate of completion
Awarded to participants who attend at least 80% of sessions and engage in course reflections
Ongoing network access
Opportunity to join the Leadership Academy alumni network for continued connection and future ECI programming
Selected Course Topics
Federal Legislative Policymaking
How Congress works and how policy professionals work to keep LGBTQI+ policy on the agenda.
LGBTQI+ Public Policy and the Courts
How the federal judiciary impacts LGBTQI+ policy and advocacy approaches.
Organizing and Coalition-Building
Building relationships and momentum across communities and movements.
Federal Administrative Policymaking
How agencies implement laws and shape policy affecting LGBTQI+ communities.
Research and Data Collection
Using data and research to support evidence-based policymaking.
Communications and Narrative Strategy
Storytelling, messaging, and shaping public discourse.
Featured Faculty
Coming Soon
Additional guest speakers will join throughout the course.
How To Apply
Applications are open from August 10, 2026 to September 4, 2026.
The application is brief and designed to help us build an engaged cohort.
Applicants will be asked to share why they are interested in LGBTQI+ public policy and what they hope to gain or will apply from the course.
Space is limited and applicants with a clear drive to develop a career in public policy will be prioritized for this initial cohort.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. The course is designed for early-career participants from a range of backgrounds. You are not required to have direct experience or training in LGBTQI+ rights-related roles or organizations. Applicants with direct service experience, community organizing experience, and volunteer service experience are welcome and encouraged to apply.
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There is no required tuition and cost will not be a barrier to participation. We are committed to making this course accessible to anyone who can benefit from it, regardless of financial resources. If you’re in a position to contribute, we welcome voluntary donations to help keep this program accessible to others. Financial contributions are entirely voluntary and will not impact your selection for the course.
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Participants should plan to attend weekly live sessions and may have light optional preparation between sessions.
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Applications are reviewed to build a cohort aligned with the goals of the course and interested in applying what they learn to advance LGBTQI+ policy.
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The course is not a job placement program, but it is designed to help participants understand policy careers, build practical knowledge, and connect with practitioners. Program participants can opt-in to the network of Academy alumni for continued networking and to receive notifications about future Equality Caucus Institute programming.