Political Dynamics
In order to create an effective science & technology policy fellowship program, consider the political dynamics that present opportunities and barriers for the program.
Which party controls the house and senate in your state? What is the partisan split? Are there any apparent factions within political parties?
Which party is your governor? Is this the same or different party from the state legislature?
Are there scientists and engineers serving as elected officials?
Is science advising already part of the policy process? What is the mechanism?
What are opportunities in executive branch agencies and the governor’s office?
How often does your state legislature meet? Are there opportunities to work with lawmakers outside of the legislative session?
Does your state have a part-time or full-time legislature?
Who are the trusted science and technology policy advisors for legislators and staff (e.g., lobbyists, universities, government staff, etc.)?
Policy Priorities
Understanding the important policies in your state will allow you to identify topics on which fellows may work as well as provide examples to policymakers when you’re pitching your program.
How many bills are typically introduced each legislative session? What bills tend to have committee hearings and floor votes?
What bills are related to science and technology policy topics? Do these bills have traction?
What are the main committees in your state legislature that focus on science and technology related issues?
What state agencies focus on science and technology related issues?
What priorities were cited by the Governor in recent statements, campaigns, or addresses? Are any of these priorities related to science and technology?
STEM/R&D Ecosystem
The STEM and R&D ecosystem can support and complement a fellowship program by providing funding, an applicant pool, and a potential program host.
Identify some of the following groups in your state and brainstorm ways that they might interface with a fellowship program.
Research Institutions
Higher Education Institutions
Biotechnology/Innovation Incubators
Corporations
Think Tanks
Foundations
National Labs
Nonprofit organizations (e.g., Academy of Science)
Other Fellowship Programs
It is important to complement existing programs in your state, rather than competing with other programs who may already have the trust of lawmakers.
Does your state have a legislative research or existing fellowship/internship office? What is their role?
Do any of the higher education institutions support legislative fellowship or internship programs? Are they specifically targeted to STEM students?
Is there an opportunity to create a fellowship program for mid- to late-stage STEM professionals?
What is the reputation of other fellowship programs?
How are other fellowship programs supported? Who are the hosts and how do they receive funding?
Summary
Based on the responses to questions above, what are the opportunities and barriers for creating a fellowship program in your state?
Opportunities:
Challenges:
People to Meet With:
Additional Questions: