We are pleased you are considering the Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship (MEPF). MEPF is a professional development program that brings together a diverse group of individuals from across the education landscape to understand the policy process and advance a more equitable education system. Most participants in MEPF hold full-time positions in organizations working in education and related fields and are supported by their employing agencies, although some fellows choose to seek external sources of sponsorship or pay for their own participation.
THE FELLOWSHIP
Fellows remain in their full-time positions and use their work environment as the context for examining important leadership and policy issues in their states and in the nation. MEPF activities bring Fellows together for a variety of in-person and virtual learning opportunities (including speakers and panel discussions, debriefs, workshops, and individual or group projects). The program includes visits to the Massachusetts State House and to Washington, D.C., with opportunities during both of those trips to connect with each other and with individuals working in policy roles.
Participation in MEPF begins with building a deeper appreciation of each Fellow’s leadership strengths and skills in order to better understand how identity and leadership style influences approaches to policy. In the second phase of the program, Fellows have the chance to dig into the meaning of policy and how past and current policies have shaped the education system. In the third phase of the program, Fellows identify opportunities for improving the education system through policy, both as individual actors and as part of broader coalitions seeking change.
Throughout the program, Fellows have opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of the policy process, hone their communications and decision-making skills, refine their potential for leadership, and expand their network of professional colleagues.
PROGRAM FEES AND EMPLOYER SPONSORSHIP
In general, each Fellow's employing agency–the sponsor–pays the base program fee of $3,200 and travel costs to regional and national meetings. In addition, the employer provides release time for on-site and national activities. Fellows are not required to have a sponsoring employer, although most do. Fee waivers may be available in select cases. Please contact Laura Cinelli for more information.
ELIGIBILITY AND SELECTION PROCESS
MEPF invites your application if you have:
- a commitment to personal and professional development on behalf of children and youth;
- a track record for making things happen inside and across agencies/organizations; and
- substantive work experience in education or a related field.
Most fellows (though not all) also have:
- a full-time professional position; and
- endorsement and financial support from an employer.
MEPF requires participation in training activities that are generally, but not always, held at the conclusion of the normal work day. In addition, Fellows are expected to attend a conference in Washington, DC, an opening retreat, and a two-day Civil Rights Tour. Please consider these extra demands on your time in light of your current professional and personal schedule. If you cannot participate fully in MEPF, please do not complete the application.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION SCHEDULE
Applications for the 2025-26 program will be accepted on a rolling basis through June 13, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible. Fellows will be notified of their acceptance in late June or early July, and fellowship activities will begin in August.
For any questions related to the Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship or this application please contact Laura Cinelli at 617-354-0002 (x1) or lcinelli@renniecenter.org.