The Policy Fellows program requires participants to make a commitment to professional and personal growth as part of a cohort. Fellows meet once a month as a group between September and early June (most often on Fridays), and travel to Washington, D.C., for a multi-day study trip with prominent elected officials and national leaders in public affairs. Fellows also engage in a collaboratively designed small-group project, working with community partners to address a public policy issue. Policy Fellows can expect to spend 10 to 15 hours per month on activities related to the program. Click here for more program information.

Applications and recommendation letters for the 2014-2015 Policy Fellows program are due by Friday, May 30, 2014. The application form asks for basic information, such as work history and community involvement, along with a brief essay. We also require two letters of recommendation. These can be from current or former employers, program alumni, or people you know in the community.

Recommendation Form

For 2014-2015, the program fee is $6,500. Some employers pay the program fee in part or in full from professional development funds. Scholarships are available, though all Fellows are asked to make some contribution to their program fee. Scholarship requests are not part of the application process; after new Fellows are selected, we follow up with each individual regarding their scholarship needs.

Scholarships specifically for nonprofit sector participants are made possible by generous gifts from the George Family Foundation and the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Minnesota.

Further questions? Contact Kate at cspg@umn.edu or 612-625-8330.