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CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows

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  • Our Fellows
  • FAQ
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  • Apply

Important Deadlines

For the 2024 Class
Begins training Nov. 1, 2023

Start your application today.

  • Fall 2022

    Virtual info sessions for prospective applicants begin

  • December 1, 2022

    Application period begins

  • *March 31, 2023

    Application period closes at 11:59 pm PST

  • Mid April, 2023

    Notification sent to applicants for interviews

  • *Early June, 2023

    Finalists' Interviews held

  • June 2023

    Fellows Selected

  • November 1, 2023

    Fellows' training begins in Sacramento

  • December 2023

    Fellows assigned to host offices

  • October 31, 2024

    Fellowship ends

Get Fellowship updates!
Download Fellowship flyer
Download Fellowship poster

Follow Fellows:

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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 S&T Policy Fellows work alongside decision makers to evaluate complex scientific issues and interpret data, while tackling the responsibilities of full-time staffers.

The CCST S&T Policy 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.

Watch: Application Webinar Series

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Why Choose the CCST Fellowship?

Held Oct. 3, 2022

  • Watch

  • Learn More

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Life as a CCST Fellow (What's it Like?)

Dec. 13, 2022

  • Watch

  • Learn More

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Navigating the Application & Interview Process

Jan. 12, 2023

  • Watch

  • Learn More

Want more information?
  • Who can apply?
  • When is the application due?
  • What is the selection process like?
  • What salary and benefits are provided?

Visit our FAQ page.

Sign up to receive CCST S&T Policy Fellows updates by email.

If you have other questions regarding the Fellowship or application contact the Fellowship Director Sarah Brady.

Read the FAQ
Sign Up for Fellows Updates
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2023 CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows

Meet the 2023 Fellows

Learn more about the 2023 class of CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows and see where former Fellows are now.

Learn More

By The Numbers

CCST Science Fellows 2018

0

S&T Policy Fellows Trained To-Date
Stanford Educational institution

0+

Doctoral Degree Institutions Represented From Across the US
Woman doctor

0%

of S&T Policy Fellows Hold PHDs or Equivalent Degrees in Science, Medicine, Engineering, or Social Sciences
Science Fellow handing documents to legislator

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Bills, Hearings, and Actions Impacted by S&T Policy Fellows
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0%

of S&T Policy Fellows Have Been Hired by the California State Legislature or State Agencies Since Completing Their Fellowship

Affecting All Californians

By embedding PhD-level scientists directly in the California State Legislature and Executive Branch offices, the CCST S&T Policy Fellows Program helps inform policy discussions with scientific perspectives and expertise. Fellows have contributed to bills and laws in diverse areas:

  • Energy & Environment

  • Human Services

  • Education

  • Healthcare

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 2018

CCST Science Fellows News

Feb 6, 2023

The Many California Experiences
A photo of Agnes Varghese, PhD, a 2022 CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellow with the title of her blog post and CCST logo on a blue background
Read More

Jan 30, 2023

Introducing the 2023 Class of CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows
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Read More

Jan 5, 2023

WATCH: Navigating the CCST Fellowship Application & Interview Process
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Read More

Dec 12, 2022

Plugging In: Finding My Space in California Energy and Utilities Policy
A photo of Natalie Seitzman, PhD, a 2022 CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellow with the title of her blog post and CCST logo on a blue background
Read More

Dec 1, 2022

Deadline Extended: Seeking Applications for CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship in Sacramento, California
A photo of the 2022 Fellows with a blue banner below highlighting that applications are now open for the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship with CCST's logo.
Read More

Nov 14, 2022

WATCH: Life as a CCST Fellow: What’s It Like? | Application Q&A
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Read More

Oct 27, 2022

Assessing Climate Risk – My Fellowship Year: Like An ‘Inverted Delta’
A photo of Kara Voss, PhD, a 2022 CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellow with the title of her blog post and CCST logo on a blue background
Read More

Sep 29, 2022

WATCH: Why Choose the CCST S&T Policy Fellowship?
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Read More

CCST Science Fellows Alumni Career Guide

Feb 15, 2020

CCST Alumni Science Policy Career Guide Homepage
Science Policy: A Career Guide to Policy Careers for Scientists
Read the Guide
Beyond California Project Cover

Science & Policy Beyond California

In 2016, CCST developed a report to identify successful elements of a state-level science policy fellowship program in order to encourage other states to replicate or adapt the program. This resource and the State Fellowship Planning Grants were funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and the Simons Foundation and supported the development of many new state-level Fellowships, some of which can be found below.

ADDITIONAL S&T Policy FELLOWSHIP opportunities

AAAS
AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
Description

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.

Learn More
NASEM
Christine Mirzayan S&T Policy Graduate Fellowship
Description

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.

Learn More
NASEM
Jefferson Science Fellowship
Description

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.

Learn More
Rutgers Eagleton
Eagleton Science and Politics Initiative
Description

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.

Learn More
VASEM COVES
Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering & Science Fellows
Description

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.

Learn More
Idaho
Idaho Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
Description

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.

Learn More
CASE
CASE S&T Policy Fellowship Program
Description

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.

Learn More
MOST
Missouri Science & Technology Policy Fellows
Description

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.

Learn More
NOAA logo and Sea Grant logo side by side on white background
Knauss Fellowship Program
Description

"The Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship provides a unique educational and professional experience to graduate students who have an interest in ocean, coastal and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The Fellowship, named after one of Sea Grant's founders and former NOAA Administrator John A. Knauss, matches highly qualified graduate students with "hosts" in the legislative and executive branch of government located in the Washington, D.C. area, for a one year paid fellowship."

Learn More
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California Sea Grant State Fellowship
Description

“California Sea Grant's State Fellows Program provides a unique educational opportunity for graduate students who are interested both in marine resources and in the policy decisions affecting those resources. The program matches highly motivated and qualified graduate students with hosts in municipal, state and federal agencies in California for a 12-month paid fellowship.”

Learn More
NC STEM
North Carolina STEM Policy Fellowship
Description

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.

Learn More
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Sacramento, CA 95814

Mailing:
1017 L St, #438
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(916) 492-0996

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