CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
Eligibility
Degree
PhD or equivalent in science, social science, or engineering field needed by Sept. 15 of application year (6 months after application deadline, 1.5 months before program start).
Residency
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident eligible to work in the United States, or have an applicable US work visa.*
Salary and Benefits
Salary, paid-time off, health, dental, & vision benefits, reimbursements for approved professional development and relocation.*
*See FAQ for latest salary amount, details on equivalent degrees, residency requirements, and more.
Watch: Application Webinar with Alumni
Your Path to Policy: The CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
Presentation + Q&A
Timeline
The application period is closed and opens December 1st.
December 1, 2025
Application period begins.
March 10, 2026
Application period closes 11:59pm PT.
April, 2026
Notification will be sent to applicants for interviews.
May, 2026
Finalists' interviews held.
Late May/Early June 2026
Fellows selected.
September 15, 2026
PhD or equivalent needed.
November 2, 2026
Fellows training begins in Sacramento.
December 2026
Fellows assigned to host offices.
October 31, 2027
Fellowship ends.
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Sending Scientists to Sacramento to Help Shape Smart Policies
Every year, California policymakers make critical decisions on complex and dynamic issues facing our state, such as California’s role in AI governance, maintaining affordable and renewable energy that meets our carbon emissions goals, managing the state’s water supply during drought, protecting our environment in the face of climate change, and so much more. To support innovative solutions to these challenges, the CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows program annually recruits, trains, and places a cohort of PhD scientists and engineers directly into policymaker offices in the California State Legislature and Executive Branch in Sacramento.
Policy Experience + Leadership Training for Successful Careers
During their year of public service, CCST S&T Policy Fellows work with policymakers and their teams to evaluate and research complex scientific issues, interpret data, and tackle the day-to-day responsibilities of full-time policy staffers — all while receiving regular training, seminars with California policy leaders, a close-knit cohort, and career guidance from CCST that sets Fellows up for success.
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, policymakers are given access to science-savvy staff who can inform policy discussions with scientific perspectives and expertise.
It's not science vs. policy—they work hand in hand. Science needs to inform policy and policy needs to inform science. Both of them need to work in conjunction. That's what we're here for.
— Debra Cooper, PhD, 2015 Fellow
Watch: Application Webinar Series
Watch our January 2026 webinar to get all of your questions answered about the application process, life as a Fellow, and post-Fellowship career opportunities. Looking for more? Catch up with some recent discussions.
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 Puneet Bhullar.
Meet the 2026 Fellows
Learn more about the 2026 class of CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows and see where former Fellows are now.
By The Numbers
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Fellows Trained To-Date0+
Doctoral Degree Institutions Represented0%
Fellows Hold PHD or Equivalent Degrees in Science, Medicine, Engineering, or Social Sciences0+
Bills, Hearings, and Actions Impacted0%
Fellows Hired by the California State Legislature or State AgenciesAffecting 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
Additional Resources
A Guide to Policy Careers for Scientists
This guide, produced by CCST S&T Policy Fellows alumni, provides an introduction to science policy, details the various types of policy practice, settings, and issue areas, lists academic programs, extracurricular activities, organizations, and fellowship opportunities, and highlights many career professionals and their paths to science policy.
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. Six years later, this 2022 update compiled by leaders from multiple state fellowships, finds state science policy flourishing and provides an in-depth overview on launching and managing a state science and technology policy fellows program.
Much of this work, along with the State Fellowship Planning Grants, was funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation as well as the Simons Foundation. It supported the development of many new state-level Fellowships. Find those opportunities and more below.
State Level S&T Policy Fellowships
This guide provides detailed program information and contacts for State Level Science & Technology Policy Fellowships that are recruiting.
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.
Knauss Fellowship Program
"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."
California Sea Grant State Fellowship
“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.”
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.
