Title
Illini Scholars are valuable, productive members of your team.
The Illini Science Policy Program will match highly motivated and qualified University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates who have advanced degrees with Illinois public agencies or legislative offices for a 12-month, full-time paid appointment. Position may have the option to be renewed for an additional year dependent on funding or programmatic needs.
You benefit by hosting a scholar.
Hosts provide an educational and professional opportunity to Illini Science Policy Scholars, who will, in turn, provide substantial professional contributions to the office, drawing from the latest scientific and disciplinary advances from one of Illinois' remarkable campuses.
Host Eligibility
Participation is open to local, state and federal agencies and legislative offices located in Illinois with mandates in research, policy, or management issues related to food, economy, environment, community, and health & well-being. The program amplifies the strategic initiatives of Illinois Extension - community, economy, food & agriculture, health, partnerships, and technology & discovery. We are open to consider other possible partnerships. If you are interested in hosting an ISPP Scholar, contact Dr. Evangeline S. Pianfetti esecaras@illinois.edu for more information.
Funding
Host agencies and Illinois Extension contribute to the cost of the Illini Science Policy Scholar. One scholar is placed per site unless a host site selects two scholars. The second scholar is funded by the host site at 100%.
2024 to 2026 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 (2024-2025)
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
- College of Agriculture, Consumer & Environmental Sciences (2025-26)
Become a Host
