2024 Scholar Application

Deadline is extended through March 24, 2024The Scholar application will be available Monday, February 5, 2024 with early submission until March 4, 2024. Apply through the Illinois Job BoardThe position will be listed as: Visiting Extension Outreach Associate, Illini Science Policy Scholar.

Program Description

The Illini Science Policy Program is a unique opportunity for graduate students with an interest in public service careers completing their degree from University of Illinois (UIUC, UIS, or UIC). The program matches highly motivated and qualified Scholars with hosts in Illinois public agencies or legislative offices for a 12-month paid appointment working in University of Illinois Extension’s critical issue areas – food, economy, environment, community, and health. Hosts provide an educational opportunity for Scholars to explore public research, management, and policy issues at a high level, while the Scholars provide substantial professional contributions to the office.

Hosts will supervise, mentor and provide opportunities for Scholars to be involved in critical issues that support the scholar’s professional and educational goals. Scholars work with the host office full-time, on site and with other staff and/or leadership, as appropriate. As part of their experience, Scholars will collaborate on an Extension project that aligns with their program assignments, connecting to Extension’s network of nearly 700 staff across all 102 Illinois counties.

Learn about the past ISPP Scholars' placement in their own words. Read the blog!

2024-2025 HOST SITES

Legislative Host Placements

  • Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation
  • Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation
  • Illinois Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Juliana Stratton
  • Congressional Placement:  Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) - Illinois Office

State Agency Host Placements

  • Illinois Department of Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security
  • Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, Education Group
  • Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Broadband
  • The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD)

    Download to see Host Information and Project Overviews.

Eligibility

The Illini Science Policy Program is open for participation by graduate students completing an advanced degree (Masters, Doctoral, J.D. or professional degrees) from University of Illinois (UIUC, UIS, or UIC) between May of 2023  and Aug 31, 2024. Graduates should have interest and expertise relating to University of Illinois Extension’s critical issue areas: food, economy, environment, community, and/or health. Scholars must complete all degree requirements prior to beginning their appointment. Applicants apply through the University of Illinois Job Board.

Funding and Expenses

Details about funding and expenses may be found on the job posting through the Illinois job board. Support for the Illini Science Policy Program is provided by participating host offices, the U of I Office of the Provost Investment for Growth program, Illinois Extension, and University of Illinois Systems Office of External Relations and Communications, and PepsiCo.

Length of Assignment

The length of assignment is 12 months (non-renewable). The appointment will begin July 16,2024 and end no later than July 15, 2025.

Application

Application deadline: Job posting will be available starting Monday, February 5, 2024 through March 6, 2024 and will remain open until positions are filled or closed. Application details are available through the Illinois Job Board. 

Selection

Finalists are selected by staff at University of Illinois Extension and participating host offices based on written application materials and interviews  of a subset of applicants. Selection criteria include: academic ability, communication skills, diversity and appropriateness of academic background, career goals, additional qualifying experience, and support referrals. Scholars will work with the program coordinator to identify Extension projects aligned with their assignments.

Timeline

  • February 5: Scholar applications open. (Rolling submissions)
  • March 4: Final day for early applications from potential scholars.
    • positions will remain open until filled
    • Deadline is extended to March 24, 2024
  • March 6 to April 12: Application review
    • Review for eligibility
    • Interviews by university and host agencies
  • April 15-18: Matching process
  • End April / Early May: Host / Scholar matches announced
  • July 16, 2024: ISPP Scholar placement begin
  • July 15, 2025: latest ISPP Scholar placement can ends 

Previous Illini Science Policy Program Hosts

Legislative Host Placements

  • Illinois Legislative Black Caucus and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation
  • Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation
  • Illinois Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Juliana Stratton

State Agency Host Placements

  • Illinois Department of Agriculture, Division of Natural Resources 
  • Illinois Board of Higher Education | Early Childhood Consortium (Workforce Development)
  • Illinois Board of Higher Education | College Readiness
  • Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, Education Group
  • Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Broadband

Download to see Host Scope of work / project snapshots from this current year 2022-23.

Past State Agency Partners
Illinois Board of Higher Education (2021)
Illinois Department of Agriculture, Meat and Poultry Division (2020)
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Broadband (2020, 2021)
Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, Education Group (2020)

Past Legislative Partners
Illinois Legislative Black Caucus / Black Caucus Foundation (2020,2021)
Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus / Latino Caucus Foundation (2020, 2021)
Illinois Office of the Lieutenant Governor (2021)

For additional information about the program contact:

Dr. Evangeline Pianfetti
Outreach Associate, Government Relations | Director Illini Science Policy Program
(217)244-7568
esecaras@illinois.edu