Help CCST Make California Stronger with Science on #GivingTuesday

Do you donate to your favorite causes and organizations on #GivingTuesday? “Giving Tuesday” is a global day of giving created in 2012 that seeks to harness the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy. It has become a rallying point for nonprofits and charities for annual giving.

As part of #GivingTuesday and CCST’s year-end fundraising season, we’re calling our friends and colleagues to action with our own campaign, “Stronger with Science.”

The campaign spotlights the CCST Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Program. The Fellowship, now in its seventh year, is a highly successful program which places PhD-level scientists annually in the California State Legislature for one-year appointments. Fellows work hands-on with policymakers addressing complex scientific and technical issues.

“As Fellows, these scientists and engineers experience a year of public service and leadership training, and get the chance to explore a career in California’s policy arena,” said CCST Deputy Director Amber Mace, who oversees the Fellows Program. “At the same time, the State Legislature benefits from access to highly skilled, science-savvy staff to help inform their work.”

In the first seven years of the program, Policy Fellows have been recognized annually for their contributions by both the State Assembly and Senate. The Fellows have collectively impacted over 700 bills. In addition, 40% of Fellows stay in the California Legislature or other State agencies after their Fellowship is over.

The program has earned praise from Legislature leaders. “All of these Science Fellows have brought a wide body of knowledge and experience to the Assembly, and they have shared those insights with us on issues of critical importance to the well-being of our state,” Speaker of the Assembly Toni Atkins has previously stated.

The Fellowship was initially funded by a coalition of founding donors, led by a $3.5 million gift from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. To maintain the program, CCST needs to raise an additional $515,000 by the end of the 2015 Giving Year.

“We need to build support for the Fellows Program at this critical juncture,” said Mace. “Our Fellows play a key part in CCST’s efforts to help policymakers make the most informed decisions for California’s citizens and resources. California’s policies are stronger with science, and our Fellowship program has demonstrated its value to the State Legislature year after year.”

To make a contribution to the Fellows Program, please visit the CCST S&T Policy Fellows website. CCST is a nonprofit 501 (c)3 organization and donations are tax deductible. And this year, #GivingTuesday also falls on the same day we launch the application cycle for the 2017 CCST Policy Fellows. Interested applicants can access the online application beginning December 1.