CHCI Graduate STEM Fellowship
- Interact with the national leaders that set STEM policy
- Meet important people in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields
- Interact and work with the Latino STEM Consortium (SACNAS, SHPE, and MAES)
"CHCI has provided me with the platform to gain hands-on experience in the implementation of science policy at the National Science Foundation (NSF), participate in excellent scientific conferences that have allowed me to further refine my science and education policy interests, and gain valuable contacts with other scientists with similar interests. Moreover, I am working on an integral topic at the NSF that will have long-lasting and, I hope, a transformative impact on Hispanic participation in the STEM fields. This has been one of the most unique learning opportunities of my career and I am greatly appreciative to the CHCI organization for it."
Sandra Alcala-Barraza, Motorola STEM Graduate Fellow
Hometown: San Antonio, TX
School: University of Minnesota
Major: Ph.D., Neuroscience
Placement: National Science Foundation
"Global climate change debates, national economic recovery strategies, booming clean technology industry and research development and the most comprehensive piece of environmental and energy policy ever introduced has been the backdrop of my experience. Working with Senator Menendez in his Energy and Natural Resources Committee has given me a voice in these national and international conversations - and vastly (and rapidly) expanded my knowledge and expertise. I have learned very quickly that my graduate degree was but a stepping stone to the vast array of knowledge a policy maker must poses, and I feel that my experience as a CHCI GYP fellow has served as a catalyst to propel my career and future to the next level."
Jorge Madrid, Motorola STEM Graduate Fellow
Hometown: East Los Angeles, CA
School: University of Southern California
Major: Master's, Urban Planning and Public Administration
Placement: The Office of Senator Robert Menendez (NJ)
Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Mission
The CHCI Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program seeks to enhance participants' leadership abilities, strengthen professional skills and ultimately produce more competent and competitive Latino professionals in underserved public policy issue areas.
Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Description
The nine month Fellowship Program offers exceptional Latinos who have a master's degree or higher unparalleled exposure to hands-on experience in the public policy areas:
- Higher Education
- Secondary Education
- Health
- Housing
- International Affairs (includes last three months abroad in Mexico)
- Law
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Selected participants will receive
- Work Experience in Washington, DC
- Great Pay
-$2,700 monthly stipend to help cover housing and local expenses - Benefits
-Domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, DC
-Health insurance
-Optional short-term housing. CHCI secures and individuals reimburse CHCI for this service - Leadership Training, Networking and More
Work Experience
After a week-long orientation, and with CHCI's guidance, Graduate fellows research and interview with possible job placements, and select the opportunity that best matches their policy interest area. The range of placements includes congressional offices and committees or federal agencies.
Leadership Development
The Graduate fellows' intensive work experience is enhanced by weekly leadership training sessions that allow them to meet with national leaders and engage in substantive policy discussions. In addition, Graduate fellows produce a public policy brief. Graduate fellows also must organize a policy roundtable. Because of the wealth of information, contacts, and political activity in Washington DC, the Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program offers an excellent opportunity for participants to affirm their career goals in chosen issue area. All participants also receive personal support and guidance from CHCI staff and Alumni Association.
To view photos from the 2009 Roundtables series, click here.
Community Service
Fellows are required to engage in a group community service project identified through the CHCI fellowship program. This component of the curriculum allows fellows to identify areas of civic engagement and give back to the community. Fellows are also required to complete 32 hours of individual community service along with the group community service project.
Program Requirements - Fellows must
- Work a minimum of 32 hours per week at a placement
- Attend a one-week orientation and weekly leadership development sessions and participate in a retreat
- Participate in all CHCI-sponsored activities
- Participate in a community service project
- Complete 32 hours of community service
- Develop and execute a Policy Roundtable to promote public policy issues of importance to Latinos
- Research and publication of a written work about a public policy issue in chosen area
- Contribute to the development of the CHCI Public Policy Conference Summits
- Comply with CHCI policies regarding work performance and personal conduct
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must poses a graduate degree or higher related to chosen policy issue area from an accredited educational institution and must be within three years of program start date
- High academic achievement
- Evidence of leadership skills and potential for leadership growth
- Demonstrates commitment to public service-oriented activities
- Superior analytical skills, outstanding oral and written communication skills
- U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency
Selection Process
The selection process is competitive; CHCI receives 5 applications for every one available fellowship. CHCI processes applications to identify the most qualified candidates. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee composed by Alumni, Board of Directors, and CHCI staff. Only top candidates receive an invitation for an interview. A selected number of fellows are selected annually, based on the quality of their application and their interview scores.
2010 Graduate STEM Fellowship Application Deadline: March 12, 2010
Program Dates: August 2010 - May 2011
