50CAN Action Fund | Believe in Better Education Policy Fellowship

Believe in Better Education Policymaker Fellowship

50CAN Action Fund is proud to bring back the Education Policymakers Fellowship for its third year.

While the post-Covid years have revealed stark inequities in the traditional education system, we have also seen elements of a new, more dynamic, learner-centered future present themselves. This once- in-a-century challenge is also a once-in-a-century opportunity, one where we can renew our commitment to be policy leaders in building a better, more just education system where every child can become the best version of themselves.

PURPOSE

50CAN Action Fund seeks to equip current and aspiring education policy leaders with the support they need to lead the way forward in their states as they build the school systems of the future, helping them become champions of transformational education policy initiatives.

We will do this through peer-to-peer connections, introductions to top advocates and experts from around the country, and a deliberate curriculum that walks them from foundational knowledge to cutting edge education innovation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The cohort will consist of up to 15 fellows and will be chosen from applicants who are willing to commit to the schedule, are aligned with the broad themes of the Believe in Better agenda, and demonstrate a willingness to introduce and lead on game-changing policy in the future.

PROGRAMMING

This is a five session fellowship that runs from summer through fall. It includes two in-person gatherings with the other three being held virtually. All travel expenses to the in-person meetings are covered by the fellowship, as allowed by applicable state and local laws. The primary purpose of the fellowship is to assist elected officials in preparing a fully formed policy proposal, including detailed planning around strategy and advocacy. Elected officials will choose one specific policy area that falls under a pillar of the Believe in Better Framework. Working with their peers, fellowship policy staff support, and other advocacy experts, they will build out a proposed comprehensive policy and create messaging and advocacy strategies for enacting it. Fellowship policy staff will also schedule 1:1s during the fellowship in support of the policymaker as they formulate their policy and plan.

TIMELINE

Application window – June 1 – June 30, 2025

Applicants chosen – June 2 (approximate)

Sessions Begin – July

Sessions End – November

SESSION TOPICS

History of Public Education
School Finance
The Education That’s Right for You
A Clear Path to a Career
A Family’s Right to Know What’s Working
A World of Open and Connected Learning
Tutoring & Care for All
Parent, Teacher & Public Voices
Education & Effective Communication & Advocacy

APPLICATION

Policymakers Fellowship Application

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

Current Elected Office

Years in Elected Office (Total)

Previous Elected Office

How did you hear about the Fellowship?

What experience and interest do you have in education policy?

How Do You Feel This Fellowship Could Further Your Leadership In Education Policy?

Online sessions are generally two hours. What scheduling limitations do you have for participating in online sessions? Are there days of the week that you prefer or that are unworkable? Is there a time of day that you prefer or that is unworkable?

The in-person sessions will be scheduled after the fellows are selected. The opening session will be in July and the closing session will be in October. Do you have any scheduling restrictions that would prevent you from traveling during those time periods?

50CAN Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. Are you aware of any state or local rules that would preclude 50CAN Action Fund from reimbursing you for your travel costs to the in-person sessions?

Back to the Believe In Better Education Leadership Institute Overview