Applications to be a Fellow are due March 21, 2025. Apply here.
Opportunities for UC Faculty to Engage Policymakers
UCDC has partnered with Scholars Strategy Network (SSN) to develop a series of programs that will train UC faculty to engage with lawmakers. We are kicking off this program with three virtual workshops in 2025. These workshops are free and open to any University of California faculty member. More details below.
Introducing the UCDC Presidential Faculty Fellows Program
If you are a UC Faculty member whose work focuses on immigration policy, health equity, or climate justice, we have an exciting announcement for you! UCDC announces our inaugural cohort of UCDC Presidential Faculty Fellows. Apply at this link by March 21, 2025, to become a 2025 Fellow. More details below.
Sponsored by:
FREE VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS
(OPEN TO ALL)
January 22, 2025, 2pm PT: Getting Inspired, Setting Goals: 60 minutes
This training introduces how research is used in policymaking and what informs policymakers’ day-to-day decision-making. The workshop emphasizes that there is no single way to be a publicly-engaged scholar and demonstrates the different roles researchers can take in the policy arena. Participants will learn more about their peers’ aspirations for policy impact. Register here.
February 12, 2025, 2pm PT: Connecting & Building Relationships with Policymakers: 60 minutes
This training on building relationships gives scholars an introduction to effective strategies to ensure that their findings and perspectives inform policy. This session provides evidence-based instructions for how to begin and maintain productive relationships with policymakers, how to engage with civic intermediaries in order to better reach policymakers, and what strategies are critical for creating mutual trust.
Register here.
March 12, 2025, 2pm PT: Op-ed Writing & Pitching: 90 minutes
This workshop is for scholars who want to learn how to write and pitch compelling, research-based op-eds. Participants learn how to craft a good lede, incorporate timely
news hooks, signal the author’s relevant expertise, increase the likelihood of publication, and structure an Op-ed for maximum impact. Participants will be guided through shaping their idea into an outline.
Register here.
UCDC FACULTY FELLOWS PROGRAM
UCDC will select ten Presidential Fellows who will receive additional personalized training. Selected fellows will receive the following trainings:
In-Person Workshops at Conference in Washington, DC, May 19 to 23
Policy Brief Writing Workshop: 90 minutes
This workshop is for scholars who want to learn how to write compelling and jargon-free policy briefs. Participants move through each step of the policy brief drafting process and actively shape their idea into an outline. The workshop includes practical information on how to distribute your policy brief for maximum impact.
Communicating Your Research on Capitol Hill: 60 minutes
This is an interactive workshop where participants gain the knowledge and tools to
have impactful and effective meetings with staff on the Hill. The workshop will outline the variety of ways that researchers can engage in the legislative process, how to prepare for meetings with Congressional offices and maximize your effectiveness in them, and best practices for following-up after meetings.
One-on-One Coaching Sessions (Virtual)
SSN staff will provide one-on-one coaching sessions (1 hour each) to 10 UCDC Presidential Fellows to prepare them for meetings with federal policymakers.
Please apply at this link before March 21, 2025 to become a Fellow
Spring 2025 UCDC Presidential Faculty Fellows will receive:
1:1 coaching session to prepare to meet with federal policy makers.
Airfare and housing for a trip to DC from May 19 to 23
Access to workshops and trainings in DC
Opportunity to present at event at UCDC
$2,000 research stipend
The 2025 themes are:
1) Immigration and/or refugee policy;
2) Health equity; and
3) Climate justice.
ELIGIBILITY: All University of California Senate faculty and Continuing Lecturers.
MATERIALS FOR SUBMISSION
Please apply at this link before March 21, 2025
SELECTION CRITERIA
The selection criteria will be based on:
1. The merits of the research: Is the proposal based on strong empirical evidence?
2. The clarity of the argument: Does the proposal identify a clear argument?
3. The policy implications of the research: Are there clear policy implications?
4. Novelty: Are the findings novel and compelling?
5. Fit: Does the proposal fit into one or more of the three themes: immigration policy, health equity, and/or climate justice?
6. Mission alignment: Does the proposal help bring the diversity and priorities of California to DC?