Policy Fellowship

Research, write, and publish policy papers on issues that matter to you, with mentor support every step of the way.

What You Get as a Fellow

A Dedicated Mentor

You're paired with a mentor for the whole process, from picking a topic through your final draft, so you're never researching or writing alone.

Structured Review

Every paper goes through peer review and a formal Editorial Board review before it's considered finished, the same rigor STEM Sprouts applies across its research programs.

Support Toward Publication

STEM Sprouts covers the costs of pursuing publication for Fellows' work, so there's no fee for you to submit.

A Platform to Present

Fellows get opportunities to present their findings at events like the STEM Summit and youth policy convenings.

Real-World Reach

Finished papers are routed to school districts, legislative offices, and stakeholder groups positioned to act on your recommendations.

A Fellow Community

Join a cohort of Policy Fellows across STEM Sprouts chapters and earn a formal Policy Fellow title.

How It Works

1
Apply & Propose a Topic
Submit a short proposal on the policy issue you want to research and why it matters.
2
Get Matched with a Mentor
You'll work with a dedicated mentor who guides your research and writing from start to finish.
3
Research & Draft
Build your paper around a standard policy framework: problem, evidence, stakeholders, and recommendations.
4
Peer & Editorial Review
Your draft is reviewed by fellow Fellows and STEM Sprouts' Editorial Board before it's considered final.
5
Publish & Present
Once review is complete, we support you toward publication and give you a stage to present your work.
6
Track Your Impact
Published papers are distributed to relevant decision-makers, and we follow up on what happens next.

Fellowship applications are the competitive gate, which is what makes the guarantee credible: once you're accepted and your paper clears review, publication support isn't a gamble.

Ready to Become a Policy Fellow?

Fill out the application below to tell us about yourself and the policy issue you want to research.

Applicant Information

Full Name *

Grade Level / Year in School *

School Name *

Email Address *

Phone Number

City / State *

How did you hear about the Policy Fellowship?

Background & Interest

Why are you interested in policy work specifically, rather than research alone? *

150–250 words.

Which area of STEM education or emerging technology are you most interested in researching? *

Describe any prior research, writing, debate, Model UN, journalism, or advocacy experience you have. *

Have you ever written a formal paper, report, or long-form essay before? If yes, briefly describe it.

Optional.

Fit & Commitment

Policy Fellows are expected to conduct research, work with a mentor, write a full paper, and help present findings to policymakers. Are you able to commit to a semester-long program? *

YesNo

How many hours per week can you realistically dedicate to this program? *

Fellows often work in small teams under a mentor. Do you prefer working independently, in a small group, or are you flexible? *

Is there a specific policy issue or question you'd want to explore if accepted? *

Writing Sample

Please submit a short writing sample (academic paper, op-ed, essay, or research excerpt — 1–3 pages).

No writing sample? Respond to this instead:

Pick one problem in STEM education you've personally observed and explain, in under 400 words, what you think should be done about it.

References & Logistics

Name and email of a teacher, counselor, or mentor who can speak to your work ethic

Optional but recommended.

Do you have any scheduling conflicts we should know about?

Anything else you'd like us to know?