Newer legislators can apply for BILLD Fellowship through April 13
Midwestern state legislators in their first four years of service are encouraged to apply for a 2026 fellowship to take part in the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD).
More than 1,000 current and former lawmakers are BILLD graduates; alumni of the program include several top current state legislative leaders and others now serving in the U.S. Congress. The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Legislative Conference administers the highly renowned leadership program.
All application materials must be received online or in the CSG Midwest office on or before April 13. The 2026 BILLD program will be held July 17-21 in Madison, Wis.
BILLD is a unique educational and networking opportunity, bringing together newer legislators from across the region for five days of professional development, policy-focused sessions and leadership training.
About the Bowhay Institute
What Is the Bowhay Institute?
The Bowhay Institute is the only training program designed exclusively for Midwestern legislators.
BILLD helps newer legislators develop the skills they need to be effective leaders, informed decision-makers and astute policy analysts.
The program offers a unique opportunity for lawmakers to improve their leadership skills and explore the issues of the day with nationally renowned scholars, professional development experts, and legislative leaders and colleagues from across the region.
Who Should Apply for a Fellowship?
Midwestern legislators in their first four years of service are encouraged to apply.
Fellowships are awarded based on an applicant’s ability to demonstrate leadership potential, dedication to public service, and commitment to the legislative process and institution.
Through a competitive application process, 39 fellowships will be awarded to lawmakers from the Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Saskatchewan.
Why Should You Apply?
The Bowhay Institute gives you the opportunity to learn and network with the next generation of legislative leaders.
During the Institute, you will:
- Develop the skills you need to become an effective legislative leader;
- Better understand key public policies and the policymaking process through workshops led by experts in a variety of fields; and
- Network with the best and brightest emerging leaders in the Midwest.
What Does a Fellowship Provide?
Each BILLD fellowship covers the cost of tuition, lodging and meals related to attending the five-day Institute.
Fellows are also eligible to receive a travel stipend to help cover a portion of their travel costs to and from Madison.
How Do You Apply?
The application is available on the CSG Midwest website. You can apply online or submit a hard copy via email, fax or mail.
All materials are due by April 13, 2026.
Contact Adam Diersing at 630-925-1922 or billd@csg.org with questions or for more information.