COPA-STEP trains the next generation of PA Policy Leaders in Harrisburg

COPA-STEP recently hosted a two-day training program in Harrisburg for 23 fellows from the inaugural Governor’s Science & Technology program, the William and Hannah Penn Fellowship, and Govern for America. These fellowships target individuals with advanced degrees including STEM and provide one to two years of experience working in government, opening the door for a career in public service.

Our training focused on hands-on sessions to bolster fellows understanding and skills in science and technology policy. On day one, fellows dove into science and technology policy and science communication, engaging in interactive sessions such as developing science and technology policy solutions to tackle depopulation in rural Pennsylvania. During the second day of training, fellows honed their policy memo writing skills and learned about other state and federal science and technology policy fellowships. COPA-STEP will offer another training this fall which includes a trip to New Jersey’s state capital, Trenton, to meet with current Eagleton Science and Politics fellows and to gain an understanding of how other states approach policy making as well as invite fellows to the inaugural Pennsylvania Science Policy Symposium.