Policy Fellows are leaders or emerging leaders in their field of work with a strong record of contributing to their community or working toward the common good. Each Policy Fellow adds a unique perspective to the cohort and brings curiosity, problem-solving skills, and an openness to new ideas and concepts. People of all backgrounds and political perspectives are encouraged to apply and Policy Fellows should want to engage respectfully and productively across these differences.

Fellows come from a diverse array of professional backgrounds. Here’s a snapshot of the organizations represented in previous Policy Fellows cohorts:

Business

• Best Buy
• Cargill
• CenturyLink
• Dorsey & Whitney LLP
• Ecolab
• GE
• General Mills
• Itasca Project
• KSTP-TV
• Mayo Clinic
• Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
• PepsiCo
• St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce
• Target
• UnitedHealthcare
• U.S. Bancorp

Nonprofit

• AARP Minnesota
• Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
• Blue Cross & Blue Shield
• CaringBridge
• Carlson Family Foundation
• Citizens League, Dar-Al-Hijrah Mosque
• Education Minnesota
• Farmers' Legal Action Group
• Greater Twin Cities United Way
• McKnight Foundation
• Minnesota Environmental Fund
• Minnesota Housing Partnership
• Nonprofits Assistance Fund
• Project for Pride in Living
• Twin Cities Public Television

Public/Government

• Chaska Police Department
• City of Minneapolis
• Metropolitan Council
• Minneapolis Community and Technical College
• Minnesota Attorney General's Office
• Minnesota Department of Employment &
Economic Development
• Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs
• Minnesota House of Representatives
• Minnesota National Guard
• Saint Paul Public Schools
• U.S. Department of Commerce

There is no specific educational or professional requirement for participation; however, the strongest candidates typically have at least several years of full-time work experience. You must live and work in Minnesota, even if some of your work is focused outside of the state. Fellows from outside of the Twin Cities metro area may apply for lodging assistance. 

Applicants should be committed to joining a learning environment, building relationships, and hearing and understanding different perspectives, values, and beliefs.

Fellows participate in monthly full-day workshops that are typically held on Fridays from about 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Several articles or book chapters may be assigned ahead of each session for preparation. Additionally, there is a four-day study trip to Washington, D.C. 

Fellows engage in a collaboratively designed small-group project, working with community partners to address a public policy issue. The bulk of this project work takes place in the winter and spring months. Fellows can expect to spend 10 to 15 hours per month on activities related to the program. 

While things come up and conflicts can arise unexpectedly, you should plan to participate in all program activities if you are accepted as a Policy Fellow.

You should apply if you’re eager for personal growth and leadership development, and if you want to deepen your involvement in public affairs, public policy, or politics. This program is ideal for those looking to expand their personal and professional networks and for individuals seeking to understand how their work intersects with other sectors and the policy process. Most participants are not enrolled in school full-time during the program.

The program fee is $9,000. The program fee covers:

• Monthly sessions led by professional workshop facilitators
• Breakfast and lunch during all monthly sessions
• Washington, DC, study trip: airfare, lodging, and most meals
• Staffing, facilities, and materials for all sessions
• Alumni connection and engagement opportunities

You’re strongly encouraged to talk with your employer about what level of support they can provide to support your participation. Because your participation in the program benefits you and your organization, many employers cover all or a portion of the fee. 

Additional support is available for those who live in greater Minnesota, including covering a hotel room the night before each session. 

Contact Sara Benzkofer at [email protected] with any questions.

Scholarships are made possible in part by generous gifts from the George Family Foundation and contributions from Policy Fellows alumni.

Each cohort consists of about 35 Fellows each year, which is around half of the applicants. The selection committee is made up of program alumni and community members, and they look to admit a cohort that represents the business, nonprofit, and government/public sectors.

Participation in the program does not result in a certificate, a degree, or in-course credit hours toward a degree.

Please view a sample curriculum showing some of the topics, speakers, activities, and meeting locations from past years. This is not a schedule for the upcoming year.

Program sessions are scheduled for the dates below. Fellows are expected to attend all meeting sessions. Dates are subject to change.

• September 13
• October 11 
• November 15
• December 13
• January 10
• February 4-7 in Washington, D.C.
• March 14
• April 11
• May 9
• June 13

There will be legislative skill-building sessions focused on how to be an effective advocate, how to have an effective meeting with legislators, and a committee hearing simulation. With that said, the program is wide-ranging in its content and focuses most on how to be a more effective and collaborative leader.