Title
Illini Scholars are valuable, productive members of your team.

Body

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.

Body

You benefit by hosting a scholar.

Hosts provide an educational 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 at U of I’s flagship campus.

Host Eligibility

This RFA is open for participation by 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. We are open to consideration for 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 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)

Become a Host

Contact Evangeline Pianfetti to learn more about becoming a host agency.