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Apply to the Science & Technology Policy Fellowship
Applications closed on March 11th. To stay updated on our other programming, join our mailing list here.
Our Science & Technology Policy Fellowship will teach science and technology experts with limited policy experience how to impact policy. The fellowship will consist of two blocks: 1) a mandatory full-time policy bootcamp that teaches fellows the basics of policymaking, including practical exercises; and 2) an optional final project. The policy bootcamp will take place from June 5-28, 2024 at Tides Converge in San Francisco. Fellows will have the option to work remotely part-time on a final project from June 28-August 25, 2024.
This program is for US-based individuals with subject matter expertise in a science and technology field. Any science and technology professional can apply, but this year we will prioritize admitting those who work in one of three priority areas: emerging technology; cybersecurity; and climate change. We will also prioritize individuals who work directly with communities that face marginalization and/or that seek to tackle disparities around race and ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and other aspects of diversity.
Accepted fellows will receive a $7,500 stipend to defray the costs of participating in the in-person fellowship (e.g., food and lodging). Out of town participants will also receive a small stipend to cover travel to the Bay Area. Those who opt into and successfully complete the optional, final project phase will be awarded an additional $5,000.
Please note that our program provides non-lobbying advocacy training. We do not teach participants to lobby or run political campaigns.
The Curriculum
The Science & Technology Policy Fellowship will consist of two blocks: 1) a mandatory full-time in-person policy bootcamp that teaches fellows the basics of policymaking, including practical exercises; and 2) an optional final project.
The policy bootcamp will include:
- An orientation introducing fellows to the fellowship, to the other fellows, and to the policymaking process;
- Regular classes exploring what policy is, how to identify problems, define alternatives, develop relevant outputs, and communicate to stakeholders; and
- Action-oriented practical exercises, such as ‘how to write a policy memo’ or ‘how to give an elevator pitch’, founded on real world problems provided by our partners.
Fellows will have the option to work remotely for a minimum of 10-12 hours a week on a final project from June 28-August 25. Fellows who choose to participate in this optional project will be required to create a suite of substantive policy outputs by August 25—for instance, draft regulations, toolkits for policymakers, white papers, op-eds, or an app—and present it to policymakers. Fellows will not need to decide whether they would like to participate in this optional project period until the in-person fellowship starts.
Eligibility
For the Science & Technology Policy Fellowship program, we are looking for applicants with the following characteristics:
1 – Applicants should have significant professional experience with science (including environmental or climate science), technology, engineering, or mathematics.
For instance, applicants might work as an engineer or computer scientist at a public interest organization; might work as a business executive at a science or technology company; might work at a university or at a think tank studying a STEM field; or might serve as an environmental lawyer. Please note these are just illustrative examples; they are not intended to limit eligibility to these categories.
While all STEM experts and executives are welcome to apply, we are particularly interested in applicants who are passionate about problems in these 3 priority areas:
- Cybersecurity
- Emerging technology (such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, autonomous vehicles, or quantum computing)
- Climate (including clean energy, environmental justice, and climate tech)
We will also prioritize individuals who work directly with communities that face marginalization and/or that seek to tackle disparities around race and ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and other aspects of diversity.
2 – Applicants should show potential to apply their scientific or technical experience to affect policy and social change.
Applicants should be passionate about solving societal challenges related to science & technology topics (for example, cybersecurity or climate change), and should be able to articulate creative, innovative ways in which they want to make a difference and how their experience will help them do so.
3 – Applicants have not yet significantly explored their potential to enact change through policy.
This is an introductory program to the policymaking process, and applicants with significant past policy experience are likely to be too advanced for this program. While we welcome all interested individuals to apply, we will prioritize applicants who do not have significant previous policy experience (e.g., a master’s in public policy; past experience working in a policy role).
4 – Applicants need to also meet the following eligibility requirements for the program:
- Applicant(s) must be at least 21 years of age by the start of the program.
- Applicant(s) must be fluent in English.
- Applicant(s) must be able to make a full-time commitment to the 3.5-week incubator process and be able to reside in person in the Bay Area during that time. The incubator process will take place at Tides Converge in San Francisco. Note that Fellows will receive a $7,500 stipend to defray the costs of food and lodging, and out of town Fellows will receive an additional small stipend to cover travel to the Bay Area.
- Applicant(s) must have legal status to work and reside in the United States.
FAQ
We will update the following FAQs as we receive additional questions about our program. If your question is not answered here or in the materials above, please contact aspentechpolicyhub@aspeninstitute.org.
General
What is policy?
Great question, and one we will be exploring through much of the program. In general, policy is defined as a “course or principle of action adopted or proposed by an organization or individual.” It is a set of rules that an organization or individual agrees to follow. Both governments and companies (and many other actors) set policies, and those policies have the potential to affect all of our lives. The goal of this program will be to expose you to the value of policymaking, and to teach you how to impact policy yourself.
Great question, and one we will be exploring through much of the program. In general, policy is defined as a “course or principle of action adopted or proposed by an organization or individual.” It is a set of rules that an organization or individual agrees to follow. Both governments and companies (and many other actors) set policies, and those policies have the potential to affect all of our lives. The goal of this program will be to expose you to the value of policymaking, and to teach you how to impact policy yourself.
Why are you running this program?
We think there is tremendous opportunity for new voices to impact the policymaking process and help solve some of our generation’s most pressing science and technology problems. We love training people, and are excited to use all the lessons we’ve learned from training technologists, climate professionals, and nonprofit representatives to teach a blended cohort of science and technology experts to impact policy.
We think there is tremendous opportunity for new voices to impact the policymaking process and help solve some of our generation’s most pressing science and technology problems. We love training people, and are excited to use all the lessons we’ve learned from training technologists, climate professionals, and nonprofit representatives to teach a blended cohort of science and technology experts to impact policy.
What types of classes do you offer in this program?
This program will include skills for impacting policy (such as defining policy problems and mapping stakeholders); communication skills (such as writing op-eds and policy memos); policy stakeholder classes (such as on state and local government and company policy); and classes on tech and climate policy. We also will have space for fellows to require specific classes on topics of interest.
This program will include skills for impacting policy (such as defining policy problems and mapping stakeholders); communication skills (such as writing op-eds and policy memos); policy stakeholder classes (such as on state and local government and company policy); and classes on tech and climate policy. We also will have space for fellows to require specific classes on topics of interest.
Do you teach individuals how to lobby?
No, this program does not teach individuals how to lobby. We teach individuals on how to impact policy through non-lobbying advocacy.
No, this program does not teach individuals how to lobby. We teach individuals on how to impact policy through non-lobbying advocacy.
Do you teach individuals how to run political campaigns?
No, this program does not teach individuals how to run political campaigns.
No, this program does not teach individuals how to run political campaigns.
Fellowship Logistics
What is the exact timing of the fellowship?
The mandatory bootcamp portion of the Science & Technology Policy fellowship will take place from June 5-28, 2024 in San Francisco. Fellows will have the option to work on a virtual, part-time final project from June 28-August 25, 2024.
The mandatory bootcamp portion of the Science & Technology Policy fellowship will take place from June 5-28, 2024 in San Francisco. Fellows will have the option to work on a virtual, part-time final project from June 28-August 25, 2024.
Will this program be full-time or part-time?
The 3.5 week bootcamp portion of the Fellowship (June 5-28, 2024) will be full-time in San Francisco. Fellows will be expected to spend 40 hours a week on fellowship programming, and to be at our facility from 9-5pm, as well as attend several evening events. We provide $7,500 stipends to offset the costs of relocating to San Francisco and taking time off of a job.
The optional project phase (June 28-August 25) will be part-time. Fellows who opt in will be expected to spend 10-12 hours a week on programming and project work. Those who successfully complete the project phase will be awarded an additional $5,000.
The 3.5 week bootcamp portion of the Fellowship (June 5-28, 2024) will be full-time in San Francisco. Fellows will be expected to spend 40 hours a week on fellowship programming, and to be at our facility from 9-5pm, as well as attend several evening events. We provide $7,500 stipends to offset the costs of relocating to San Francisco and taking time off of a job.
The optional project phase (June 28-August 25) will be part-time. Fellows who opt in will be expected to spend 10-12 hours a week on programming and project work. Those who successfully complete the project phase will be awarded an additional $5,000.
Will this program be run in person or remotely?
The 3.5 week bootcamp portion of the Fellowship (June 28-August 25) will be in person at the Tides facility in San Francisco.
The optional project phase (June 28-August 25) will be remote.
The 3.5 week bootcamp portion of the Fellowship (June 28-August 25) will be in person at the Tides facility in San Francisco.
The optional project phase (June 28-August 25) will be remote.
How will you keep an in-person fellowship cohort safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?
We will follow all state and county-level guidance for COVID-19, such as wearing masks and social distancing. If we determine that we cannot run the program in-person safely, we will move all programming to a remote, online format.
We will follow all state and county-level guidance for COVID-19, such as wearing masks and social distancing. If we determine that we cannot run the program in-person safely, we will move all programming to a remote, online format.
How much funding do accepted fellows receive?
All Fellows receive a $7,500 stipend for participating in the 3.5 week, mandatory bootcamp portion of the Fellowship. Fellows who opt into and successfully complete the 7.5-week project phase will be awarded an additional $5,000.
All Fellows receive a $7,500 stipend for participating in the 3.5 week, mandatory bootcamp portion of the Fellowship. Fellows who opt into and successfully complete the 7.5-week project phase will be awarded an additional $5,000.
Do you provide health insurance during the fellowship?
We are unable to provide health insurance during the fellowship due to its short duration.
We are unable to provide health insurance during the fellowship due to its short duration.
Do you cover travel to and lodging in the Bay Area?
We provide a small travel stipend to fellows living outside the Bay Area to cover the cost of traveling to our program. We expect fellows to use their $7,500 stipend to cover other living costs, such as lodging.
We provide a small travel stipend to fellows living outside the Bay Area to cover the cost of traveling to our program. We expect fellows to use their $7,500 stipend to cover other living costs, such as lodging.
Can I continue to work in my job as a Hub Fellow?
The Hub incubator program is full time and intensive, and the programming is similar to that required for a full time student, with classes 5 days a week. We expect your full attention and attendance in our facility during the 3.5 weeks.
Because of the intensity of the program, accepted fellows should plan to take a leave of absence from full-time work during the length of the program. Many employers offer ‘social service’ or ‘civic service leave’ to facilitate participation in this type of program. Please contact us if you have specific questions about this process. We are also willing to help accepted applicants talk about their participation with their employers.
Fellows may continue part-time activities so long as the fellowship remains their first priority, so long as they remain fully available during fellowship hours, and so long as there is no conflict of interest with their potential final projects.
The Hub incubator program is full time and intensive, and the programming is similar to that required for a full time student, with classes 5 days a week. We expect your full attention and attendance in our facility during the 3.5 weeks.
Because of the intensity of the program, accepted fellows should plan to take a leave of absence from full-time work during the length of the program. Many employers offer ‘social service’ or ‘civic service leave’ to facilitate participation in this type of program. Please contact us if you have specific questions about this process. We are also willing to help accepted applicants talk about their participation with their employers.
Fellows may continue part-time activities so long as the fellowship remains their first priority, so long as they remain fully available during fellowship hours, and so long as there is no conflict of interest with their potential final projects.
Application Process
I am on a visa. Am I eligible to apply to the Fellowship?
It depends. Legal Permanent Residents are definitely eligible for the fellowship, as are those on visas that have no restrictions on where they can work. H-1Bs and other visas tied to employers may be more complex. Please contact us to discuss your situation (with the caveat that we are unable to give you immigration advice). Please note that we are unable to sponsor visas for the fellowship.
It depends. Legal Permanent Residents are definitely eligible for the fellowship, as are those on visas that have no restrictions on where they can work. H-1Bs and other visas tied to employers may be more complex. Please contact us to discuss your situation (with the caveat that we are unable to give you immigration advice). Please note that we are unable to sponsor visas for the fellowship.
I am a student/recently graduated. Am I eligible to apply to this program?
You are able to apply to the Fellowship program so long as you are 21 and meet all the other criteria listed in the eligibility section.
You are able to apply to the Fellowship program so long as you are 21 and meet all the other criteria listed in the eligibility section.
I would like to join your program to learn more about policy, but I don’t have experience in science or technology. Can I still apply?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept applications from candidates without science or technology experience (though note that we define this broadly, so you do not need a university degree in these topics to qualify). We suggest looking at degrees and certificates from universities in public policy as an alternative to our program.
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept applications from candidates without science or technology experience (though note that we define this broadly, so you do not need a university degree in these topics to qualify). We suggest looking at degrees and certificates from universities in public policy as an alternative to our program.
I would like to join your program to learn more about policy, but I do not have experience in one of your priority areas. Can I still apply?
You may still apply to our program if you have science & technology experience, but do not have experience in our 3 priority areas. We expect to admit a small number of fellows who do not have experience in our priority areas. However, we will prioritize admitting applicants in our priority areas.
You may still apply to our program if you have science & technology experience, but do not have experience in our 3 priority areas. We expect to admit a small number of fellows who do not have experience in our priority areas. However, we will prioritize admitting applicants in our priority areas.
I do not have a science or technology degree. Am I still eligible to apply to this program?
Yes; we hope to accept a diversity of applicants in our programs, including those without formal university degrees in science or technology fields. However, please make sure that you meet all the other criteria for the programs, including significant experience working in science or technology.
Yes; we hope to accept a diversity of applicants in our programs, including those without formal university degrees in science or technology fields. However, please make sure that you meet all the other criteria for the programs, including significant experience working in science or technology.
I already have significant policy experience. Am I eligible to apply to this program?
These are introductory programs to the policymaking process. In the normal case, applicants who have significant previous policy experience (e.g., past experience working in a government policy role) will be too advanced for this program. However, we would still love to hear from you; we may have opportunities to engage you as a policy mentor or on future in-house projects. Please email aspentechpolicyhub@aspeninstitute.org or sign up for our listserv.
These are introductory programs to the policymaking process. In the normal case, applicants who have significant previous policy experience (e.g., past experience working in a government policy role) will be too advanced for this program. However, we would still love to hear from you; we may have opportunities to engage you as a policy mentor or on future in-house projects. Please email aspentechpolicyhub@aspeninstitute.org or sign up for our listserv.
How do I write a policy memo?
While we will review ways to write a policy memo in our program, there is no one way to write such a memo. The appropriate structure depends on the problem you are trying to solve. In general, a few tips:
Your memo needs to define the problem, using evidence as appropriate to support your position, lay out your proposed solution, and identify major obstacles to the implementation of your solution.
To be effective, your memo also needs to be written extremely clearly. For some advice on clear writing, see this blog post from Y Combinator. We also recommend this post by Paul Graham.
While not required, many strong applications will tie the applicant’s experience in STEM to the problem they identified or to the solution they are attempting to apply.
We will go over more tips in our informational webinars, so please sign up for those for more info!
While we will review ways to write a policy memo in our program, there is no one way to write such a memo. The appropriate structure depends on the problem you are trying to solve. In general, a few tips:
Your memo needs to define the problem, using evidence as appropriate to support your position, lay out your proposed solution, and identify major obstacles to the implementation of your solution.
To be effective, your memo also needs to be written extremely clearly. For some advice on clear writing, see this blog post from Y Combinator. We also recommend this post by Paul Graham.
While not required, many strong applications will tie the applicant’s experience in STEM to the problem they identified or to the solution they are attempting to apply.
We will go over more tips in our informational webinars, so please sign up for those for more info!
In the application, do I need to propose a project in one of your priority areas?
No. We also will accept applicants who propose projects related to other areas of science and tech policy! Please note that applications in the priority areas will be reviewed by experts with specific knowledge of those areas; as a result, applicants who stretch their application to fit it into a priority area may be disadvantaged by doing so. If you are not sure whether your project qualifies for a priority area, please either contact us or submit it without indicating a priority area.
No. We also will accept applicants who propose projects related to other areas of science and tech policy! Please note that applications in the priority areas will be reviewed by experts with specific knowledge of those areas; as a result, applicants who stretch their application to fit it into a priority area may be disadvantaged by doing so. If you are not sure whether your project qualifies for a priority area, please either contact us or submit it without indicating a priority area.
How do I submit myself for consideration for the Savilla Pitt Memorial Fellowship?
All applicants to Hub programs are automatically considered for the Savilla Pitt Memorial Fellowship; there are no additional materials required.
All applicants to Hub programs are automatically considered for the Savilla Pitt Memorial Fellowship; there are no additional materials required.
What is the application timeline?
Applications closed on Monday, March 11th at 9am PT. We plan to notify finalists in April, and make decisions by early May following Zoom interviews.
Applications closed on Monday, March 11th at 9am PT. We plan to notify finalists in April, and make decisions by early May following Zoom interviews.