Forge Leadership Summit

The Adventure Begins

Apply for the 2026 Summit!

Applications for the 2026 Forge Leadership Summits are now open! Sign up to begin your application!

In 2026, Forge will host two Leadership Summits:

• Nashville — June 15–19
• Columbus — July 20–24

The Forge Leadership Summit is a five-day intensive experience filled with dynamic trainings, professional development, and renowned speakers. Accepted students represent talented conservative students and young professionals, ages 18-25, from across America wanting to impact the public arena.

The program extends past the Forge Leadership Summit, and standout students are accepted into the Forge Academy, offering experiential learning in state and national policy, further professional development experiences (one in Arizona and one in Washington D.C.), and long-term job placement and networking. The first step is to apply for the Forge Leadership Summit!

Tuition increases soon, so apply today (see “Payment and Registration” section below for more info)!

Tuition Increases In:

Summit Features

Signature Media Training

Signature media training interactive workshops provide you with the knowledge and practical experience to develop, focus, and present your message while effectively responding to questions in a challenging environment.

Team Building

Dynamic and interactive team building activities like “Speed Networking” and “Campaign-In-A-Day” will help you develop relationships with your team members as well as cultivate your networking abilities and political skills.

Legislative Simulation

State legislators and experienced coaches lead you through a legislative simulation at the State Capitol, where you will be mentored through the hands-on process of developing, debating, and passing a bill.

Professional Mentoring

Experienced legislators, policy experts, and cultural leaders share their insights on Limited Government, Economics, Ethics of Life, and Religious Liberties to challenge and motivate you to translate your beliefs into action.

Sharing from their vast experience, successful leaders in the marketplace provide advice and wisdom to assist you in pursuing your future plans.

2026 Forge Leadership Summit FAQs

Application Process

In 2026, we will be hosting two Forge Leadership Summits, one to be held in Nashville, TN from June 15–19, 2026, and one to be held in Columbus, OH from July 20–24, 2026. In order to attend one of the 2026 Summits, you must:

  1. Be 18 to 25 years of age.
  2. Submit a Student Application by the deadline (see Cost of Summit below).
  3. Be accepted by Forge Leadership Network to attend one of the 2026 Summits.
  4. Once accepted, pay your $100 (non-refundable) deposit to reserve your spot in the Summit (a limited number of young leaders will be chosen for each Summit).
  5. Pay the rest of your Summit tuition. This is when you pay for your attendance to the Summit. Your $100 deposit is credited toward this payment. *Need-based scholarships are available on request*

Payment and Registration

Once you submit your application to Forge Leadership Network and are accepted to one of the 2026 Forge Leadership Summits, you will need to submit a $100 deposit to reserve your spot. You can then pay for the Summit in full by the deadline as established below.

Cost of Summit Tuition:*

  • Early Bird Rate: $299 – Deadline: February 28, 2026
  • Regular Rate: $399 – Deadline: April 30, 2026
  • Nashville Late Registration: $549 – Final Deadline: May 25, 2026
  • Columbus Late Registration: $549 – Final Deadline: June 29, 2026

Need-based financial scholarships are available upon inquiry – email [email protected].

*Tuition includes hotel accommodations, meals, transportation to and from conference center to the State Capitol, materials, as well as cost for any activities.