Host a Policy Advisor Fellow

Host Expectations & Responsibilities 

• Complete the Host Application 
  
  
• Agree to host 1 fellow, with the option to host up to 4 fellows (1-4 fellows)
  
  
• Provide regular mentorship and guidance to fellows, helping them to navigate their roles, understand policy and develop their skills (e.g., one on one meetings, and ongoing feedback). 
  
  
• Assign at least one meaningful project to the fellow and provide clear guidance and support throughout the project.
  
  
• Include fellows in relevant meetings, tasks/assignments, research projects, and discussions to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of policy and advocacy work – ensure they are involved in meaningful tasks that align with the learning objectives 
  
  
• Evaluate and provide constructive feedback to support their development 
  
  
• Facilitate opportunities for fellows to engage with key stakeholders, attend events, participate in professional development activities and encourage their growth and exposure to different aspects of the program; Provide access to systems and tech if needed to support your organization  
  
  
• A part-time workload for the fellow for 3 months (approximately 10 hours per week).
  
  
• A dedicated supervisor who can regularly meet with the fellow at least weekly and provide feedback to the fellow throughout the fellowship term.

The Role of the Fellow: 

• Fellows are paired with hosts (such as school board members, city council members, elected officials or other public officials) to assist with a defined project that advances the work of that host and their organization. 
  
  
• Fellows contribute to research, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and communication strategies related to the host’s priorities.
  
  
• Fellows produce a deliverable (e.g., policy brief, community tool, presentation, or campaign strategy) aligned with their host’s goals and grounded in community impact.
  
  
• Fellows participate in weekly asynchronous learning opportunities to continue developing themselves as leaders in the policy and advocacy space

Program Objectives + Intended Outcomes 

Objectives 

• Develop Practical Policy and Advocacy Skills: Equip fellows with essential skills in policy analysis, advocacy, and leadership development, ensuring they are prepared for impactful roles in the field.
• Gain Real-Time Experience: Provide fellows with hands-on experience by pairing them with policy and advocacy leaders, allowing them to apply their learning in real-world policy and advocacy challenges.
• Foster Professional Growth: Support fellows in identifying and understanding their personal values, strengths, and career aspirations, helping them see how this experience is a stepping stone in their leadership journey.
• Build a Strong Network: Facilitate connections with peers, mentors, and leaders in the policy and advocacy space, enabling fellows to build lasting professional relationships and a supportive network.
• Complete a Capstone Project: Guide fellows in developing and presenting a capstone project that summarizes their experience working as a fellow with your organization.

Goals & Intended Outcomes 

• Members becoming active/involved in policy or advocacy roles within the next year or two.
• Members develop strong skills in policy analysis and feel confident in applying them post-program.
• Members can connect their careers in policy or advocacy to tangible impacts on youth and schools.
• Members leave with a clear understanding of their personal values, strengths, and how this experience contributes to their leadership journey.