2026 Progressive Talent Pipeline Endorsement Application

 Thank you for your interest in the Progressive Talent Pipeline endorsement. 

We are currently accepting applications for a 2026 PTP cohort. PTP will review applications on a rolling basis, and will accept applications until Sunday, October 25, 2026.
If you would like to receive reminders about deadlines, more information about the program, and updates regarding future application periods and cohorts, click here to be added to our list.

To submit your application, please complete the form questions on this page and upload a resume and answers to the short-answer and essay questions listed below. (On mobile, click "Apply" at the bottom of this page to access the application form). 

Your answers to the essay and short-answer questions should be included after your resume in a single document (i.e. if you have a two-page resume, begin your answer to Question 1 on page 3). Once you have finalized that document, you should upload a copy of it where it says "Attach resume" in the application form.

SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS:
An answer to Question 1 is required. You are only required to answer Questions 2-5 if they are applicable to you (i.e. you are answering "yes" to the relevant question).       

[1] Brief bio: Describe yourself in 50-100 words.*  

[2] Do you have experience working for Congress, a federal agency, or the legislative or executive branch of a state or local government? If so, please briefly explain, including your role(s) and approximate dates. (Not required for PTP endorsement)(Suggested word limit: 100)  

[3] Do you have experience interacting with Congress or state or local legislatures from an advocacy or lobbying capacity or experience in policy development? If so, please briefly explain. (Not required for PTP endorsement)(Suggested word limit: 100)

[4] Do you have campaign or organizing experience? If so, please briefly explain, including your role and approximate dates. (Not required for PTP endorsement)(Suggested word limit: 100)

[5] Is there anything else we should know about you? (optional)

ESSAY QUESTIONS:
Answers to all the essay questions are required. We want to hear what YOU have to say and prefer YOUR writing style. If you choose to use AI tools, we ask that you disclose it in the form question section.

[6] Why do you want to work in Congress or a government agency, and what unique experiences or perspectives do you believe would enable you to be effective in these roles? (Suggested word limit: 100-250)* 

[7] If you could wave a magic wand and pass three laws or policies at the federal level, what would they be and why would you choose each of them? Please select two domestic policies and one foreign policy. (Suggested word limit: 250-400)*

[8] Identify three elected officials (for example, current or former members of the U.S. House or Senate, governors, mayors, etc.) whose policies resonate with you. State what you agree with them on and what you don’t agree with them on. Please include both domestic and foreign policy examples. Please give us 3-5 sentences per elected official. (Suggested word limit: 250-400)*

[9] What's your assessment of the Biden administration? What are some things the administration did well? What do you think the administration could have done better? (Suggested word limit: 200-300)*

FOOTNOTES:

Information you submit will be retained and used by the Progressive Talent Pipeline team. For more information about how and when PTP shares your information, please see our privacy notice.   
[a] The Progressive Talent Pipeline does not hire, have hiring authority for, or set the criteria for any jobs. However, many individuals who apply for a PTP endorsement are interested in roles in Congress or federal agencies. You can review the eligibility requirements the federal government has established for positions in the Senate, the House of Representatives, and in agencies in the executive branch of the federal government at these links. Because PTP resources are limited, we want to make sure that we are investing in people who will be able to take full advantage of their training and endorsement.

[b] The Progressive Talent Pipeline does not hire or have hiring authority for government or legislative roles, and each employer sets the terms and conditions of employment (including the availability of remote roles or telework). Many of our endorsed candidates go on to secure jobs working for Congress or in federal or local governments. 
The majority of the opportunities to work for Congress are typically in-office roles located in Washington, DC. There are also opportunities throughout the country in Congressional District offices. Federal government agency opportunities may be located in the Washington, DC Metro area or around the country, depending on the role, though the majority of the policy-focused roles tend to be in the DC area. While some of these roles allow for occasional remote work, they are generally not fully remote positions.
PTP may also highlight job opportunities for state and local governments, such as New York City or Washington, DC.

[c] You can find more information about different staff levels and salary ranges in a table below the "Who we're looking for" header on this page.