The Aspen Policy Academy has officially opened applications for its highly competitive Science and Technology Policy Fellowship 2026, a prestigious opportunity designed to equip science and technology professionals with the skills needed to influence public policy. This fellowship is ideal for individuals with strong technical or scientific backgrounds who want to translate their expertise into real-world policy impact—even if they have little or no prior policy experience.
Overview of the Fellowship
The Summer 2026 Science and Technology Policy Fellowship will run from June 1 to June 26, 2026, using a hybrid format that combines virtual learning and in-person engagement. The program begins with a virtual phase from June 1–12, followed by an intensive, in-person policy bootcamp from June 15–26 at Tides Converge in San Francisco, California.
In addition to the core program, fellows may opt into a remote, part-time final project phase running from June 29 to August 24, 2026, allowing participants to deepen their policy work while engaging directly with real policy challenges.
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship is open to U.S.-based applicants aged 21 and above who have expertise in a science, technology, or environmental field. While professionals from all science and technology backgrounds are encouraged to apply, the Aspen Policy Academy will prioritize candidates working in the following three key areas:
- Emerging technologies
- Cybersecurity
- Environment and climate-related fields
The program is especially suited for researchers, engineers, scientists, technologists, environmental experts, and related professionals who are interested in policy but lack formal training or experience in policymaking.
Fellowship Benefits and Stipend
The Science and Technology Policy Fellowship is a paid opportunity. Fellows who complete the mandatory bootcamp will receive a $5,000 base stipend to help offset participation costs such as meals, accommodation, and travel during the in-person phase.
Participants who choose to join and successfully complete the optional final project phase will receive an additional $2,500 stipend. There are also performance-based financial incentives:
- $500 bonus for fellows whose projects are selected for publication
- Up to $750 additional bonus for fellows invited to present their work at a future demo day event
This structure ensures that fellows are both supported and rewarded for high-quality policy work.
What the Fellowship Covers
The fellowship is structured into two main components:
1. Policy Bootcamp (Mandatory)
The full-time policy bootcamp introduces fellows to the fundamentals of policymaking. Key elements include:
Orientation sessions that introduce fellows to the program, their cohort, and the U.S. policymaking landscape
Interactive classes covering how policy problems are identified, policy alternatives are developed, and decisions are made
Practical, action-oriented exercises, such as writing policy memos and delivering elevator pitches, based on real-world policy challenges provided by partner organizations
This phase is intensive and immersive, designed to rapidly build policy fluency among technical experts.
2. Final Policy Project (Optional)
Fellows who opt into the project phase will work remotely for 10–12 hours per week. During this stage, participants develop a suite of substantive policy outputs, which may include:
- Draft regulations or policy proposals
- Toolkits for policymakers
- White papers or policy briefs
- Op-eds or public-facing articles
- Digital tools or apps related to policy challenges
Fellows will present their completed work directly to policymakers, providing valuable exposure and real-world impact. Importantly, participants do not need to decide whether to join the project phase until the bootcamp begins.
Nonpartisan and Non-Lobbying Training
The Aspen Policy Academy emphasizes nonpartisan, non-lobbying advocacy training. The fellowship does not teach lobbying techniques or political campaigning. Instead, it focuses on evidence-based policy engagement and effective communication. Applicants of all political perspectives are welcome.
Application Timeline
December 18 – February 5: Application window open
Mid-March: Finalists notified and invited for video interviews
Mid-April: Fellows officially admitted
June 1: Fellowship begins
Before applying, candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and FAQs carefully.
Deadline: Feb 6, 2026
Informational Webinars
Prospective applicants can learn more by attending one of the official informational webinars hosted by the Aspen Policy Academy:
– January 14, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
– January 29, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PT
These sessions provide direct insights from the fellowship team and an opportunity to ask questions.
The Science and Technology Policy Fellowship 2026 is a rare and valuable opportunity for science and technology professionals who want to shape policy without leaving their technical roots behind. With expert-led training, real policy projects, strong financial support, and national-level exposure, this fellowship serves as a powerful bridge between science, technology, and public decision-making.
Interested applicants should apply early and take advantage of the webinars to strengthen their candidacy.
Subscribe to Opportunities for Youth website for more opportunities like this…
