Strengthening Policymaking.

COVES Fellowship Program

The challenges leaders face today—in such areas as health, climate, and security—are unprecedented in their scope, complexity, and urgency. Addressing these issues requires access to reliable scientific and technical expertise. Yet, there are often too few opportunities for scientists and engineers to develop the skills needed to inform policy and decision-making effectively.

To help bridge this gap, the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine created the Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science (COVES) Policy Fellowship. The program provides graduate students and recent graduates in science, engineering, and related fields with hands-on experience at the intersection of science and public policy, preparing them to translate technical knowledge into actionable insights for decision-makers.

Each summer, COVES fellows spend 12 weeks serving as science and technology advisors within Virginia legislative offices, executive agencies, and nonprofit organizations. By applying their expertise to real-world policy challenges, fellows strengthen the capacity of host organizations while gaining valuable experience in policy analysis, communication, and stakeholder engagement.

The COVES Fellowship Experience

• The fellowship begins with a two-day science policy bootcamp and orientation, where fellows learn the fundamentals of science policy, science communication, and policymaking in Virginia.
• During their 12-week placements, fellows work on projects that address real-world challenges facing their host organizations, applying scientific and technical expertise to inform decision-making.
• Fellows participate in professional development, networking opportunities, and field trips throughout the summer, engaging with leaders and organizations across government, industry, nonprofits, and academia while gaining firsthand exposure to science and technology issues affecting the Commonwealth.
• As part of the VASEM community, fellows are invited to attend briefings, meetings, and the annual VASEM Summit, expanding their understanding of policy issues and building connections across sectors.
• Fellows conclude the program by presenting their work at the annual COVES Forum, showcasing the impact of their projects and reflecting on their fellowship experience.

Are you interested in applying your scientific and technical expertise to real-world challenges facing Virginia? The COVES Policy Fellowship provides experience in Virginia’s government and nonprofit organizations working at the intersection of science, technology, and policy. Through immersive summer placements and professional development opportunities, fellows gain valuable insight into how decisions are made and how evidence can inform policy at the state level.

Application Process

Applicants submit an application that includes:

• Resume or CV
• Personal statement
• Reference to submit a letter of recommendation
• Virginia science policy issue one-pager
• Description of interested host offices and projects
• For international students, documentation confirming eligibility to participate in the fellowship

Applications are evaluated based on applicants’ qualifications and experience, career goals, demonstrated interest in science policy, ability to communicate scientific and technical information effectively, and potential to contribute to science and technology policy in the Commonwealth.

Information Sessions

Each year, VASEM hosts two information sessions for prospective applicants. These sessions provide an overview of the fellowship and application process, while offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with the COVES Program Coordinator and COVES alumni.

As a COVES Policy Fellow, you will:

• Apply your scientific and technical expertise to projects that address real-world challenges facing Virginia.
• Gain hands-on experience working within government or nonprofit organizations.
• Develop skills in science communication, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
• Build a professional network through interactions with policymakers, VASEM members, host offices, and COVES alumni.
• Receive a competitive summer stipend and professional development support.

COVES Policy Fellowship Forum

At the conclusion of the fellowship, fellows present their work at the annual end-of-year COVES Forum. This event brings together host offices, university partners, VASEM members, COVES alumni, and other leaders from across the Commonwealth to celebrate the accomplishments of the fellowship cohort and highlight the impact of their projects.

If you have further questions about the application process, please get in touch with us directly.