CCST Science Fellows
Important Deadlines
December 1, 2019
Application period begins
March 1, 2020
Application period closes at 11:59 pm PST
Mid April, 2020
Notification sent to applicants for interviews
Late May/early June, 2020
Finalists' Interviews held
June 2020
Fellows Selected
November 1, 2020
Fellows' training begins in Sacramento
December 2020
Fellows assigned to host offices
October 31, 2021
Fellowship ends
Sending Scientists to Sacramento to Help Shape Smart Policies
A limited number of California’s state decision makers possess backgrounds in science, engineering, or technology. Despite this, they are asked to make critical decisions on a number of issues that require an understanding in these areas, such as our water supply, the state’s energy grid, and overall environmental policy.
To address the challenge this represents, each year the CCST Science Fellows program recruits a corps of fifteen PhD scientists and engineers. These Science Fellows spend one year in Sacramento, directly serving decision makers within the California State Legislature and Executive Branch.
Working as staff, these scientific minds get a front-row seat learning about the craft and process of policy making in the State of California. CCST Science Fellows work alongside decision makers to evaluate complex scientific issues, interpret data, while tackling the responsibilities of full-time staffers.
These talented individuals gain valuable experience and training in public service. In turn, state decision makers are given access to science-savvy staff members, helping them to craft fact-based policies.
The CCST Science Fellows program is a win-win for California. By embedding PhD scientists directly within the state legislature and executive branch, we inform policy discussions with scientific perspectives and expertise.
How to Apply
The 2020-2021 fellowship application period is now CLOSED. Stay tuned for details on next year's application.
Want more information?
Visit our FAQ page, or contact us at [email protected]. If you have a question regarding the application contact Fellows Program Manager Jeffery Song, PhD.
By The Numbers
0
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
Q&A: My Public Health Placement in the Time of COVID-19
Measuring the Sierra Snowpack to Predict Water Availability for California
CCST Science Fellows Alumni Publish Career Guide for Science Policy
UPDATE: CCST at 2020 AAAS Annual Meeting in Seattle: Expert Wildfire Panel, Career Workshop with Career Guide
MARCH 1st: Applications Due for CCST’s Science & Technology Policy Fellowship in Sacramento
CCST introduces expanded class of 2020 CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows, now placed in the Legislative and Executive Branch
CCST Science Fellows Alumni Career Guide
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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