CCST Science Fellows
Important Deadlines
December 1, 2019
Application period begins
February 28, 2020
Application period closes
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 legislators 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 ten PhD scientists and engineers. These Science Fellows spend one year in Sacramento, directly serving policymakers within the California State Legislature.
Working as legislative staff within the State Senate or State Assembly, these scientific minds get a front-row seat learning about the craft and process of lawmaking in the State of California. CCST Science Fellows work alongside with legislators to evaluate complex scientific issues, interpret data, while tackling the responsibilities of full-time legislative staffers.
These talented individuals gain valuable experience and training in public policy making. In turn, state lawmakers 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, we inform policy discussions with scientific perspectives and expertise.
Apply
The 2020-2021 fellowship application period will open on December 1, 2019.
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 Updates
Now Open: Applications for CCST’s Science & Technology Policy Fellowship in Sacramento
Interested in #SciPol? Attend Our Webinar for Prospective CCST Science Fellows, Oct. 22nd
CCST Science Fellows in Training: Making the Transition from Science to Policy
CCST Science Fellows are Effective Model for Bringing Science to State Government, Says Science Magazine Editorial
Our Mission
To engage leading experts in science and technology to advise State policymakers - ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation.
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