Apply as a Host

Illini Scholars are valuable, productive members of your team.

2 young adults with adult mentor

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.

 

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.

What agencies are eligible to host?

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. 

2024-25 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.

Timeline

  • February 6: Scholar applications open. (Rolling submissions)
  • March 4: Final day for early applications from potential scholars.
    • positions will remain open until filled
  • 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 

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% .

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)

Application Information

If you would like information on becoming a host agency, contact Dr. Evangeline Pianfetti at 217-244-7568 or email esecaras@illinois.edu