Public Policy Fellowship

The Public Policy Fellowship is a nine-month opportunity that runs from September through May. Fellows will begin working in their respective placements on September 1.

Sometimes a host organization needs a fellow to start earlier or remain in the fellowship past the standard completion date. LEE handles those requests directly with interested candidates on a case-by-case basis.

Host organizations have included government agencies, such as state departments of education and state school boards; elected officials, like governors’ offices and state representatives; and high-impact policy and advocacy organizations throughout the country. 

As a fellow, you’ll have the option of indicating a preference for a virtual placement, staying in your region if a placement is available there, or relocating. Within the application you’ll be prompted to select your preferred regions.

The host organizations for the fellowship vary from year to year, but all placements ensure that you’ll gain exposure to senior leaders and organizations that are shaping the education policy and advocacy landscape. You’ll receive details of potential fellowship hosts upon being selected to interview.

Examples of previous Public Policy Fellowship placements

• Alameda County Office of Education | Bay Area
• Chicago Public Education Fund  | Chicago
• Diversity in Leadership Institute | Virtual
• Los Angeles Unified School District | Los Angeles 
• Office of Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson | Maryland
• Rhode Island Department of Education | Providence
• Texas Education Agency | Austin
• U.S. Department of Education | Washington, D.C.

Your contributions as a fellow add increased value to the host organization’s policy goals, while helping you develop your leadership and technical skills.

Fellows’ responsibilities are defined by a senior leader at the host organization. Potential responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Compiling and synthesizing research on policy ideas
• Analyzing effective policies and making recommendations
• Drafting memos, legislation, or communications documents
• Engaging in data collection and analysis
• Conducting meetings with constituents
• Providing strategic thought partnership

• Learn from leadership coaches and fellow peers through monthly group coaching, where you’ll build a professional learning community with like-minded individuals dedicated to advancing equity.
• Attend an orientation to meet other fellows and receive skills and leadership training.
• Work with a career coach to clarify your long-term goals, create a plan to achieve those goals, and navigate your next steps.
• Participate in a 360-degree review designed to help you grow through feedback and self-reflection.
• Submit a Capstone at the end of the fellowship to reflect your work and impact made in your placement.

LEE members who meet the following criteria are highly encouraged to apply:

• 1 to 3 years of experience in policy or advocacy work (grad school e.g. Masters in Public Policy, Masters in Public Administration, Juris Doctorate, etc. qualifies as work experience)
• Looking to pursue a mid- or senior-level role
• Live in and have knowledge of the policy landscape in the geographic region of the host organization
• Committed to ending inequity
• Self-motivated
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills

After filling out an application, candidates who are selected to move forward will have an interview with LEE staff members. Upon advancement, finalists will participate in an in-person or virtual interview with a host organization.

Becoming a finalist in the selection process does not signify acceptance. Finalists must be selected by a host organization. Once finalists are selected by hosts and notified by LEE, then they are considered Public Policy Fellows.

Selected candidates will be notified of a decision by mid-June.

Yes, the Public Policy Fellowship is a paid opportunity. Fellows are paid throughout the nine-month program with a monthly $5,500 stipend. Fellows will have to independently pay taxes on their stipends, as they are not tax-deducted. During the fellowship, fellows are considered independent consultants.

Host organizations do not provide benefits to fellows, nor does LEE. It is the responsibility of the individual fellow to secure and pay for health insurance.