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The CCST Science and Technology Policy Fellows Program helps inform California's legislative process with scientific perspectives and expertise. Experience a year of public service and leadership training while making a difference in California's policy arena. Application deadline: February 28, 2017.

By Noreen Balos, Funding Peer
Wednesday, December 7th, 2016 - 11:58am



The California Council on Science and Technology is now accepting applications for the 2018 Class of the CCST Science Technology Policy Fellowship. Completed applications are due on February 28, 2017.

The CCST Science Fellows program is open to those holding a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in science and engineering, and in social science fields such as economics. Eligibility information, program timeline, and the application link can be found at fellows.ccst.us/apply.php.

As CCST Science Fellows, scientists and engineers spend one year in Sacramento serving the California State Legislature. Working as legislative staff in the State Senate or State Assembly, they get a front-row seat learning about the craft and process of lawmaking in the State of California - a dynamic arena that often sets policy trends for the United States and the world.

​The Fellowship is an incredible opportunity to transform a scientist's professional path. In fact, about 50 percent of CCST Science Fellows have been hired by the California State Legislature or state agencies since completing their fellowship. Other alumni return to academia, nonprofits, or industry with a deeper understanding of how science informs policymaking, enhancing their career as researchers, professors, consultants, and leaders. Read reflections from current and former CCST Science Fellows here: fellows.ccst.us/blog

Fellowship Timeline:

  • Dec. 1, 2016: Application Opens
  • Feb. 28, 2017: Application Deadline 5 p.m. Pacific Time
  • Mid-Apr. 2017: Notifications sent
  • Late May/Early Jun. 2017: Finalist Interviews
  • Jun. 2017: Finalists Selected
  • Nov. 1, 2017: Fellows Training in Sacramento
  • Dec. 1, 2017: Fellows Assigned
  • Oct. 31, 2018: Fellowship Ends