CCST Science Fellows

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

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. If you have other questions regarding the Fellowship or application contact Fellows Program Manager Jeffery Song, PhD.

By The Numbers

Science Fellows Trained To-Date

Doctoral Degree Institutions Represented From Across the US

Of Science Fellows Hold PHDs or Equivalent Degrees in Science, Medicine, or Engineering

Science Fellow handing documents to legislator

Bills, Hearings, and Actions Impacted by Science Fellows

of Science 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 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

Clean energy
Climate change
Earthquake early warning system
Electric vehicles
Habitat restoration
Hydraulic fracturing
Waste management
Water quality and supply

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

Community colleges
Digitally enhanced education
Education funding
Higher education
School nutrition
Standardized testing
STEM-ready workforce
Teachers

Healthcare

Alzheimer’s disease
Genetic testing
Healthcare disparities
Medical devices
Medical professions
Organ donation and transplant
Smoking and e-cigarettes
Vaccinations