[Aspen Institute](https://www.aspeninstitute.org)

February 2027 | March 2027

$5,000 stipend for bootcamp participation; additional $2,500 for optional project phase; further awards possible for top projects.

Fellowship equipping science and technology professionals with policy skills to influence decision-making and drive civic impact.

--- ## Description The Aspen Institute's Science and Technology Policy Fellowship is designed to empower U.S.-based professionals with expertise in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) to engage effectively in policy-making. Through a full-time, four-week policy bootcamp and an optional remote project phase, fellows gain practical skills in policy analysis, advocacy (non-lobbying), and communication. The program emphasizes inclusivity, supporting participants from diverse backgrounds and prioritizing those with limited prior policy experience. Fellows learn how to translate their technical expertise into actionable policy solutions, with a focus on emerging technology, cybersecurity, and environmental issues. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated): Application deadline for the Science and Technology Policy Fellowship - March 2027 (anticipated): Additional application deadline window, based on prior cycles *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Stipend:** $5,000 for participation in the mandatory policy bootcamp (4 weeks, full-time) - **Optional Project Phase:** Additional $2,500 for those who complete the remote, part-time final project - **Further Awards:** Top projects may receive up to $500 for publication and up to $750 for demo day presentations Stipends are intended to offset costs such as food, lodging, and travel for the in-person component in San Francisco. --- ## Eligibility - **Professional Background:** Significant experience in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (broadly defined; no formal degree required) - **Priority Areas:** Preference for applicants working in emerging technology, cybersecurity, or environmental fields, but open to all STEM professionals - **Policy Experience:** Designed for those with limited prior policy experience; applicants with advanced policy backgrounds (e.g., MPP or government policy roles) are generally too advanced - **Age:** At least 21 years old by program start - **Residency:** Must have legal status to work and reside in the United States (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or work-eligible visa holders; no visa sponsorship available) - **Commitment:** Able to participate full-time in the four-week bootcamp (virtual and in-person in San Francisco) and reside in the Bay Area for the in-person portion - **Language:** Fluent in English The program encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds and those engaged with marginalized communities. --- ## Application Process - **Application:** Submit via the [Aspen Policy Academy application portal](https://aspenpolicyacademy.awardsplatform.com/); no paper or email submissions accepted - **Materials:** Short essays, professional experience summary, optional resume/LinkedIn, and two references (contacted for finalists) - **Selection:** Prioritizes diversity in background and experience; finalists are invited for interviews - **Timeline:** Application deadlines are anticipated in February and March 2027, with program notifications typically following in spring For details and to preview the application, see the [sample application form (PDF)](https://aspenpolicyacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-Aspen-Policy-Academy-Fellowship-Application.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - **Format:** Hybrid—first two weeks virtual, last two weeks in-person at Tides Converge in San Francisco - **Optional Project:** Remote, part-time (10–12 hours/week); top projects may receive publication and presentation awards - **Health Insurance:** Not provided due to short program duration - **Leave from Work:** Full-time attendance required during bootcamp; participants should arrange leave from employment as needed - **Nonpartisan Focus:** Program is strictly nonpartisan and does not train participants for lobbying or political campaigning --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Application Portal](https://aspenpolicyacademy.org/program/science-and-technology-policy-fellowship/) - [Aspen Policy Academy Homepage](https://www.aspenpolicyacademy.org/) - [Aspen Institute Program Page](https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/aspen-policy-academy/) - [Sample Application (PDF)](https://aspenpolicyacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2025-Aspen-Policy-Academy-Fellowship-Application.pdf) - [Contact the Aspen Policy Academy](https://aspenpolicyacademy.org/contact-us) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Aspen Policy Academy Contact Form](https://aspenpolicyacademy.org/contact-us) | | Email | aspenpolicyacademy@aspeninstitute.org | | Phone | (202) 736-5800 | | Address | Aspen Institute, 2300 N Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20037 |

2026 Science and Technology Policy Fellowship

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