CCST Science Fellows
The 2022 Application Period is now closed.
Important Deadlines
December 1, 2020
Application period begins
March 1, 2021
Application period closes at 11:59 pm PST
Mid April, 2021
Notification sent to applicants for interviews
Late May/early June, 2021
Finalists' Interviews held
June 2021
Fellows Selected
November 1, 2021
Fellows' training begins in Sacramento
December 2021
Fellows assigned to host offices
October 31, 2022
Fellowship ends
Sending Scientists to Sacramento to Help Shape Smart Policies
Every year, California decision makers must make critical decisions on a number of complex and dynamic issues facing our state, such as the state’s water supply, energy grid, and public health. To help address this, the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows program annually recruits and trains a cohort of fifteen PhD scientists and engineers to spend one year working in Sacramento, directly serving decision makers within the California State Legislature and Executive Branch.
During their year of public service, these scientific minds get a front-row seat learning about the craft and process of policymaking in the state of California. CCST Science Fellows work alongside decision makers to evaluate complex scientific issues and interpret data, while tackling the responsibilities of full-time staffers.
The CCST Science Fellows program is a win-win for California. These talented individuals gain valuable experience and training in public policy and leadership. In turn, state decision makers are given access to science-savvy staff who can inform policy discussions with scientific perspectives and expertise.
Want more information?
Visit our FAQ page. Watch our October 2020 Webinar with current Fellows and alumni. Sign up to receive CCST Science Fellows updates by email. If you have other questions regarding the Fellowship or application contact Fellows Program Manager Jeffery Song, PhD.
By The Numbers
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Science Fellows Trained To-Date
0+
Doctoral Degree Institutions Represented From Across the US
0%
Of Science Fellows Hold PHDs or Equivalent Degrees in Science, Medicine, or Engineering
0+
Bills, Hearings, and Actions Impacted by Science Fellows
0%
of Science Fellows Have Been Hired by the California State Legislature or State Agencies Since Completing Their FellowshipAffecting All Californians
By embedding PhD-level scientists directly in the California state legislature the CCST Fellows Program helps inform policy discussions with scientific perspectives and expertise. CCST Fellows have contributed to bills and laws in diverse areas:
Energy & Environment
Energy & Environment
- Clean energy
- Climate change
- Earthquake early warning system
- Electric vehicles
- Habitat restoration
- Hydraulic fracturing
- Waste management
- Water quality and supply
Human Services
Human Services
- Adoption and foster care
- Affordable housing
- Aging and long-term care
- Autism services
- Homelessness
- Medicaid and Social Security
- Reentry and job training
- Veterans issues
- Public Safety
Education
Education
- Community colleges
- Digitally enhanced education
- Education funding
- Higher education
- School nutrition
- Standardized testing
- STEM-ready workforce
- Teachers
Healthcare
Healthcare
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Genetic testing
- Healthcare disparities
- Medical devices
- Medical professions
- Organ donation and transplant
- Smoking and e-cigarettes
- Vaccinations
CCST Science Fellows News
From Oil Spills to Energy Bills: My Path from Science to Policy
Finding the Right Fit: Taking on Toxic Substances in My Science Policy Placement
Update: The 2022 Application Cycle is Now Closed
Translating Manure Research to Environmental Policy: Q&A with 2021 Fellow Rylie Ellison
Top Five Lessons Learned: Delivering a Virtual Fellows Training Program During COVID-19
Update: The 2022 Application Cycle is Now Closed
CCST Science Fellows Alumni Career Guide
ADDITIONAL S&T Policy FELLOWSHIP opportunities
AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
Since 1973, the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers to learn first-hand about policymaking while using their knowledge and skills to address today’s most pressing societal challenges. Fellows serve in the federal government and represent a broad range of backgrounds, disciplines and career stages.
Christine Mirzayan S&T Policy Graduate Fellowship
The Christine Mirzayan Science and Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program is a full-time hands-on training and educational program that provides early career individuals with the opportunity to spend 12 weeks at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Washington, DC learning about science and technology policy and the role that scientists and engineers play in advising the nation. This Mirzayan Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to obtain the essential skills and knowledge needed to work in science policy at the federal, state, or local levels.
Jefferson Science Fellowship
The JSF program is open to tenured, or similarly ranked, faculty from U.S. institutions of higher learning who are U.S. citizens. After successfully obtaining a security clearance, selected Jefferson Science Fellows spend one year on assignment at the U.S. Department of State or USAID serving as advisers on issues of foreign policy or international development. Assignments are tailored to the needs of the hosting office, while taking into account the Fellows’ interests and areas of expertise. Following the fellowship year, Fellows will return to their academic career but remain available to the U.S. government as experienced consultants for short-term projects.
Eagleton Science and Politics Initiative
During the one-year program, Science Fellows participate in the political process and support New Jersey state government officials in making evidence-based decisions in public policy areas involving science, engineering, and technology. Through this work, they develop an understanding of state government and learn how to build careers in public service.
Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering & Science Fellows
The Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) Fellowship is a new 12-week fellowship program of the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine (VASEM). Graduate student fellows will serve as science advisors in a variety of possible placements, including legislative offices, executive agencies, or prominent companies and nonprofits in the state of Virginia. Fellows will gain experience by serving their host office and performing relevant tasks such as researching, drafting, and revising relevant policies. Fellows will also be paired with a VASEM member who will serve as an experienced science policy mentor throughout the fellowship.
Idaho Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
The Idaho Science & Technology Policy Fellowship (ISTPF) is a nonpartisan program that connects science with policy by fostering a network of science, social science and engineering leaders who understand government and policymaking and are prepared to develop and implement solutions to address societal challenges.
CASE S&T Policy Fellowship Program
The CASE mission is to provide opportunities for Fellows and policymakers to learn from each other for the purpose of ensuring that science and technology are considered in the development of related policy and legislation.
Missouri Science & Technology Policy Fellows
MOST policy fellows will provide much needed resources for Missouri General Assembly. Fellows will assist in scientific, rather than legal, research before bills are written, and also help to inform senators and representatives on benefits and consequences of pending statutes and regulations. Outside of the short legislative session, fellows will assist with building evidence-based research capacity and training workshops for legislators and staff, giving them confidence to address issues about which they feel passionate and better address the needs of their constituents.
North Carolina STEM Policy Fellowship
The NC STEM Policy Fellowship places graduate students into state government offices focusing on policy topics related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The 12-month, full-time fellowship also includes a competitive stipend and health care costs.
Our Mission
To engage leading experts in science and technology to advise State decision makers - ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation.
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