CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows
Important Deadlines
For the 2024 Class
Begins training Nov. 1, 2023
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
Follow Fellows:
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
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.
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If you have other questions regarding the Fellowship or application contact the Fellowship Director Sarah Brady.
Meet the 2023 Fellows
Learn more about the 2023 class of CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows and see where former Fellows are now.
By The Numbers
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S&T Policy Fellows Trained To-Date
0+
Doctoral Degree Institutions Represented From Across the US
0%
of S&T Policy Fellows Hold PHDs or Equivalent Degrees in Science, Medicine, Engineering, or Social Sciences
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Bills, Hearings, and Actions Impacted by S&T Policy Fellows
0%
of S&T Policy 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 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
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
CCST Science Fellows Alumni Career Guide
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 Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
Christine Mirzayan S&T Policy Graduate Fellowship
Jefferson Science Fellowship
Eagleton Science and Politics Initiative
Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering & Science Fellows
Idaho Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
CASE S&T Policy Fellowship Program
Missouri Science & Technology Policy Fellows
Knauss Fellowship Program
California Sea Grant State Fellowship
North Carolina STEM Policy Fellowship
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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