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State Policy Fellowship Program

About the Fellowship:

The State Policy Fellowship program is a two-year research-focused fellowship dedicated to making change through careful research, thoughtful advocacy, and strong partnerships in a state policy context. For more detail, please read through the goals and application requirements below.

Applications will  be accepted through February 29, 2024.

The Fellowship program has three main goals:

Making a difference for low-income families and communities

State Policy Fellows tackle domestic policy challenges by analyzing state budgets and tax policy choices, understanding their impact on low-income residents, and proposing positive alternatives.  Their budget and tax work often intersects with other policies areas  including health care, anti-poverty policy, education, immigration, state-tribal policy, and criminal justice reform. Working in independent, highly respected policy organizations located across the country, Fellows work with community partners to  promote positive reforms.

Bringing diverse perspectives to state policy debates

To expand the diversity of voices that speak with authority in state policy debates, the program identifies highly motivated candidates who have a demonstrated interest in working on public policies that affect low-income communities, communities of color, and tribal communities, with particular interest in candidates who have experience with communities that are underrepresented in state policy debates.

Launching careers

State Policy Fellows spend two years with an influential state-based policy organizations learning on the job and gaining valuable policymaking experience. Fellows research and  analyze current policy issues; brief policymakers, journalists, and civic leaders; and engage with advocates and community groups.

Examples of work from current and former State Policy Fellows:

The Fellowship is a project of the State Priorities Partnership, a national network coordinated by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, one of the nation’s premier policy institutes. Fellows will receive training and career development, will work with mentors, and will have access to ongoing opportunities for professional growth.

Learn more about the fellowship responsibilities »