Fellowship on Women and Public Policy

Academic Component
The goals of this component are to provide the theoretical basis for understanding public policy from the different stakeholder perspectives, i.e. those who make public policies,those who influence and shape them and those who are most affected by them. Nine credit hours of course work will be completed during the fellowship program. Those nine credit are comprised of three courses: Topics in Public Policy Advocacy (4 credits), New York State Public Policy Process (4 credits) and an independent study and research (1 credit).

More information on the academic component will be available - please check back!

Policy Field Placement
This component of the program provides an opportunity for practical application of theoretical knowledge and learning how policy making/influencing actually take place in a real life setting. It is intended to both enrich and complement the academic component. Each fellow shall be assigned to a legislative office, a nonprofit advocacy organization, or a state agency. Fellows shall work 30 hours per week at their placement. Aside from their responsibilities as agency staff members, each will conduct a special policy project of her interest.

More information on the field placement component will be available - please check back!

Co-curricular Activities

  • Mentorship - Each fellow shall be matched with two-three mentors from the Center;s rich and diverse network of accomplished policy makers, supporters, friends, and associates. The purpose of this informal one-on-one relationship is to link each fellow with knowledgeable and supportive professional who can advise on career pathways, and share their secrets to success.
  • Group/Caucus - Group brings Fellows together to periodically provide a forum for collective problem solving and serve as a nucleus for personal and professional growth. The objective us to create a caring and supportive environment in which fellows can safely discuss their experiences, and draw on each other;s professional and emotional strength.
  • Professional Development - The Center organizes several professional workshops to complement the academic and practical components and strengthen fellows' professional development skills. Examples of past professional development workshops include: Jump Starting Your Public Speaking Skills, Enhancing Policy Writing Skills, Skills in Collaboration and Conflict Management, Careers in Public Policy, and Careers in the Civil Service.
  • Policy Field Trips - The Center organizes and sponsors one-two policy field trips to provide further exposure to the public policy arena. Local trips typically a visit of the state capitol to meet with policy maker(s), and/or take a tour where state policy decisions are made. A trip to either Washington, DC or New York City to visit with key policy makers is a popular component of the program.
  • Community Service - Fellows are encouraged to conduct community service approximately 8 hours each month with one of the Center's programs, a nonprofit organization or other approved public service program.
  • Fellows Forums - Two forums are typically held each fellowship year where Fellows deliver presentations on their policy projects. The forums are open to the community and are attended by Center friends and associates.

More information on the co-curricular component will be available - please check back!