Arena Academy 201 Basics

Arena Academy 201: Digital Skills equips experienced campaign staffers with the management and technical skills necessary to run sophisticated digital programs. When you attend Arena Academy 201, you’re joining a dedicated community of campaign professionals committed to leveling up their skills and unlocking their creative and leadership potential. Team Arena continues to build specialized 201 trainings to grow their data, digital, and finance skills. 

Here is a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about Arena Academy 201.

• When: Arena holds 2 -3 Arena Academy 201 programs each calendar year
• Where: Online
• Who: 100+ current and experienced campaign staffers
• What: Participants take part in a two-and-a-half-day learning experience, spending the majority of time in plenary sessions on management and leadership. On the final day of training, participants have the opportunity to choose from a menu of skills-based sessions on topics ranging from budgeting to calculating goals to layering digital programs to using VAN

More Academy Details

Who is Arena Academy 201 designed for?

This training is intended for people who have worked at least one cycle as a full-time paid staffer on a campaign, movement organization, or firm in any position. We consider a cycle to be 3+ months at one or multiple organizations. If you do not meet these criteria, please consider applying to Arena Academy, where we accept applicants from all backgrounds and experience levels. 

We also ask that applicants demonstrate their interest in continuing to work on campaigns. If you currently hold a mid-level or senior digital position, you are strongly encouraged to apply, and if you don’t yet hold a mid-level or senior digital position, we want to know that that is something you aspire to. 

What should I expect at Arena Academy 201?

We believe that to be an effective digital strategist, you must have a core understanding of the digital paid media landscape, know how to set strategic goals, manage your digital budget, and keenly oversee your program and team. You can anticipate training sessions directly relating to these topics, as well as facilitated discussion around trends in digital, use cases for tools, and current thinking around best practices for the cycle ahead. 

I’m brand new to politics. Can I apply for Arena Academy 201? 

No. Arena Academy 201 has a prerequisite of at least one cycle as a full-time paid campaign staffer. We consider a cycle to be 3+ months working on a campaign or multiple campaigns. If you do not meet this criteria, please consider applying to Arena Academy, where we accept applicants from all backgrounds and experience levels.

How much does Arena Academy 201 cost?

The cost of attending Arena Academy 201 is $200. Arena Academy 201 online is free for current students.

Are there scholarships?

We want to make sure there are no barriers to applying, so we offer a range of need-based scholarships. Just complete the scholarship section of the application. If you’re accepted, we’ll let you know what level of scholarship we’re able to offer. 

What does the scholarship cover? 

For trainings held online via Zoom, the scholarship will cover the registration fee. In the past, we’ve also offered childcare and technology grants. Participants are eligible to apply for this additional support once they’ve been accepted into Arena Academy 201. 

Where does Arena Academy 201 take place?

Arena Academy 201 takes place online via Zoom. Since April 2020, Arena has hosted many virtual trainings. We specialize in creating effective learning environments and building community in virtual spaces.

Is this only meant for digital staff? 

No. This is open to anyone who wants to hold a mid-level or senior position that would benefit from understanding how to integrate digital strategies into their program or who is interested in transitioning into a digital role in the future.

Are there different tracks? 

There is only one track for 201, however there are some opportunities to select from one of several concurrent sessions so you can choose what you learn. 

What if I have other questions? 

If you have other questions as you consider your decision, just email [email protected] or if you receive a text message from our team about your application, just text back. We’re a small team and will get back to you as soon as possible. 

What’s the difference between Arena Academy and Arena Academy 201?

• Participants

• • Arena Academy 201: Digital Skills is intended for people who currently hold or are looking for a mid-level or senior-level digital position this cycle. 
  • Academy 201: Digital Skills also for people who currently hold or hope to hold a leadership position that would benefit from understanding how to integrate digital into your programs, like a campaign manager, program director, or a senior organizing position 
  • Arena Academy is open to people from all experience levels. 

• Topics

• • Arena Academy 201: Digital Skills focuses predominately on how to manage a digital program and design effective digital teams and paid, earned, and owned digital strategies.
  • Arena Academy has seven different tracks so that you can deep-dive on specific skills to work in campaign management, communications, data, digital, finance, and organizing. 

• Time

• • Arena Academy 201 is two and a half days (from roughly 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. ET each day except the first) with ample breaks. 
  • Arena Academy takes place over five days (from roughly 11 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET each day) with ample breaks. 

• Format

• • Arena Academy 201 is an interactive online training. We accept about 100 people, and the majority of the time will be spent in a full-group setting. 
  • Arena Academy is an interactive training that culminates in a team-based simulation called the Arena Cup. We accept about 250 people, and each track will have about 36 people in the classroom. 

• Cost

• • Arena Academy 201 costs $200. Scholarships are available. 
  • Arena Academy registration costs $300. Scholarships are available. 
  • Our virtual trainings are free for current students.

Academy Event Logistics

What should I expect each day?

Arena Academy 201 is a two and a half day program hosted online. The majority of time will be spent in plenary sessions. The first day and half will consist of sessions on leadership and management k. On the final day of training you’ll be able to choose which advanced sessions you’d like to attend on topics such as budgeting, working with consultants, layering digital programs, and others. 

Will there be pre-work?

Yes. You’ll receive pre-work and pre-reading approximately two weeks before Arena Academy 201.

Will there be free time?

Yes. The agenda will include ample breaks, as well as optional workshops and social events in the evenings.

Will we receive the training materials?

Yes, after the event, you will have access to the slides and any recorded sessions in the Zoom Events platform. 

I have a disability / need support or an accommodation. 

We are committed to supporting all participants in their learning experience. If you need accommodation or support of any kind, please let us know on your application form or write to [email protected].

Post Academy

Will Arena Academy 201 help me get a job?

We have placed Arena Academy graduates with 2,353 jobs on progressive campaigns or at progressive organizations. After attending Arena Academy you will gain access to a variety of services and support through our talent program including resume workshops, networking, one-on-one career coaching, and Arena recommendations when applying to jobs. 

What happens after Arena Academy 201?

You gain access to unique one-on-one support from the Arena Careers team. After the training, you can request job search coaching including resume review and interview preparation, or coaching to help you navigate your current role. Staffers trained at Arena Academy have worked in more than 2,035 roles on campaigns and in progressive organizations.