We recommend preparing the application requirements before completing the online form.

• Resume or CV: maximum of two (2) pages; upload as a PDF.
• References: Please provide contact information (name, email, phone number) for two (2) professional references. One must be an instructor or advisor from your university.
• Personal statement: In 500 words or less, please address the following points: Why are you interested in the VASEM UPP science policy program? What unique skills and experiences would you bring to the VASEM UPP program? Any additional points you would like the selection committee to consider?
• Summary of a science policy issue: In 500 words or less, please write a summary of a science policy issue of your choice and the implications for the Commonwealth of Virginia. This should be written for a non-technical audience, such as an informed citizen or policymaker. Examples could be energy, AI, agriculture, aerospace, etc.

Program Summary: The Commonwealth of Virginia Engineering and Science Undergraduate Policy Program (UPP) is a four-day program hosted by Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine (VASEM). The goal of the UPP program is to introduce undergraduate students to the scientific community and state government in the Commonwealth of Virginia while encouraging and equipping early-career scientists and engineers to enter public service. The undergraduate students will learn policy-making concepts, including public values, ethics, and decision-making in complex settings. They will be presented with several examples of how science and policy interconnect.

The Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering & Medicine (VASEM): VASEM is a resource for independent expertise to inform and assist with science and technology policy matters facing Virginia. VASEM is comprised of elected members of one of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine and other key individuals that reside and work throughout Virginia. Its nonpartisan network of experts provides rigorous analytical and scientific support to inform policy decisions that are critical to the future of the Commonwealth.

VASEM UPP Program: The UPP is a weeklong (summer) program that introduces undergraduate students to key science, engineering and medicine executive legislative offices in Virginia. UPP undergraduate students will be current students working on their bachelor’s degree focused on a STEM-related field from universities across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

UPP students will:

• Be introduced to key policymaking concepts and practices, including public values, ethics, and decision-making in complex settings.
• Understand the intersection of science and policy to explore policy-related career paths.
• Use case studies to investigate science, engineering, and technology's role in policymaking. Example cases: Virginia's energy demands due to data centers, adapting VA citizens for the new role of AI, coastal resilience policies, and addressing health disparities in Virginia.
• Meet with and be able to ask questions of Virginia’s General Assembly delegates, officials from the executive branch and JCOTS leadership.
• Shadow COVES graduate fellows at state agencies, legislative offices or nonprofit organizations.

Prior to the UPP experience, UPP students will attend three virtual science communication training and orientation sessions that will set the stage for the summer (weeklong) program. The three virtual sessions will take place in May, June and July. The weeklong program will be from July 13 to July 16, 2026.

UPP Program Commitment: The UPP program is a 40-hour, in-person commitment that requires students to work in Richmond. The students will live in downtown Richmond from Monday, July 13 to Thursday, July 16, 2026. VASEM will provide overnight accommodation for each UPP student. Students will be placed together with two students per room.