The Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship (MEPF) is a professional development program for established and emerging education leaders designed to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of public policy making. The fellowship brings together a diverse group of individuals from across the education landscape, including state and district administrators, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, higher education faculty, and local educators. Its goal is to build participants’ capacity to better navigate, support, and help manage our public education system to produce more effective and equitable outcomes.
Through this ten-month program, Fellows will:
- Learn about the inner world of education policy making and how past and current policies have shaped the education system within Massachusetts and across the nation.
- Build a deeper appreciation of their own leadership strengths and skills, while strengthening their professional network.
- Identify opportunities to improve the education system through policy, both as individual actors and as part of broader coalitions seeking change.
The fellowship offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in education to engage in discussions and activities focused on important national and state policy issues. The core of the program is a series of monthly seminars featuring an impressive array of guest speakers who introduce fellows to a range of perspectives on education policy. Last year’s featured speakers included Senator Jason Lewis, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education, former Massachusetts Secretary of Education Paul Reville, and President of Bunker Hill Community College Pam Eddinger, among others.
Fellows also engage in a variety of other learning experiences throughout the year. The program begins with an opening retreat that promotes team-building and offers a chance for fellows to reflect on their personal leadership styles. In October, a two-day tour of Massachusetts civil rights history offers fellows a chance to reflect on the roots of the current education system and efforts that have been made over time to advance equity in that system. In the spring, an outing to the State House and meetings with elected officials and staff allow fellows to delve more deeply into the Massachusetts policy-making process. Participants also have the chance to look beyond the Massachusetts context during a three-day, federal policy retreat in Washington, D.C. that includes a visit to the U.S. Department of Education and Capitol Hill. The fellowship concludes with a graduation ceremony and celebration in June.
Sponsorship
Fellows are typically sponsored by their employers, who play an important role in the success of the program. Participation benefits sponsors by exposing employees to networking opportunities and significant professional development experiences. Sponsors typically pay program fees and travel costs, as outlined below, and facilitate attendance by fellows at seminars and conferences.
The costs for the 2024-25 year are as follows:
$3,200 Program fee
$1,000 Estimated travel & lodging expenses [note expenses may be lower than this estimate based on participants travel plans and preferences throughout the year]
Application Process
We select up to 30 fellows each year to participate in the program. Bringing in fellows from a wide range of backgrounds and professional experiences enriches discussions and facilitates career development; therefore, applicants from a wide range of education-related positions are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants typically have some experience in the education field and are interested in expanding their leadership and policy knowledge and skills.
Applications for the 2024-25 program are currently closed. We will release the application for the 2025-26 program in the spring of 2025. Please note: this program is designed for working professionals and the application process should take no more than an hour. It consists of basic information to process your application and a few short questions to confirm your interest in and commitment to the program.
To learn more about the fellowship or to indicate your interest in receiving an application, please reach out to Rennie Center Deputy Director Laura Cinelli.