Harrisburg skyline on river with gears and cogs overlay.

COPA-STEP

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Science and Technology Policy Program

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Science and Technology Policy Program (COPA-STEP) bridges research and policymaking in Pennsylvania, advancing evidence-based decision-making and preparing leaders to engage in the legislative process.

We are part of Penn State's Law, Policy, and Engineering Initiative

Founded as a volunteer program, COPA-STEP became part of LPE in October 2023, where it now operates under LPE’s guidance to deliver practical science and technology policy training and outreach.

COPA-STEP serves as the applied practice branch of LPE’s interdisciplinary mission. While LPE drives interdisciplinary education in law, policy, and engineering, COPA-STEP specializes in real-world policy engagement and professional development, reinforcing LPE's mission to produce actionable knowledge that supports public, environmental, and scientific welfare. Through COPA-STEP, LPE faculty and staff deliver hands-on training to graduate students and fellows, focusing on science communication, policy writing, and engagement in legislative settings.

“Many of our group members–including myself–will apply for science policy fellowships after graduating. The opportunity to do so at a state level is exciting because it would enable us to contribute to positive impacts at the state level, to our more immediate PA community.”

Hanna Leapaldt , President, Science Policy Society at Penn State

We are part of a national effort.

Our Pennsylvania program is part of a growing trend across the U.S.to bridge the gap between the scientific community and policy decision makers. Together, LPE and COPA-STEP aim to develop Pennsylvania's science-policy ecosystem and foster collaboration with state government.

Map of the USA indicating states with Science and Technology Policy Fellowships in State-Level Government.

Active Fellowships:

California - California Council on Science & Technology (CCST)
Colorado - Colorado Science & Engineering Policy Fellowship
Connecticut - Connecticut Academy of Science & Engineering
Idaho - ISTPF
Indiana - Indiana Academy of Science, Ball State University, University of Notre Dame, Indiana University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis
Massachusetts - Scientific Citizen Initiative, Harvard Medical School
Missouri - MOST Policy Initiative
New Jersey - Rutgers University Eagleton Institution of Politics
North Carolina - Sea Grant North Carolina
New York - Rockefeller Institute of Government
Virginia - Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (VASEM), COVES Fellows.
West Virginia - West Virginia University Bridge Initiative for S&T Policy, Leadership, & Communications