West Virginia Science and Technology Policy (WV STeP) Fellowship

West Virginia Science and Technology Policy Fellows provide rigorous, nonpartisan science and technology policy research for members of the West Virginia State legislature, gaining first-hand experience of state-level science and technology policy.

The West Virginia Science & Technology Policy (WV STeP) Fellowship provides opportunities for outstanding scientists, social scientists, and engineers to learn firsthand about policymaking while using their knowledge and skills to address pressing challenges facing West Virginia. Through their support of evidence-based decision making in public policy areas involving science, engineering, and technology, WV STeP Fellows will develop an understanding of state legislators that they can use to enter a career in science and technology (S&T) policy.

Fellows will commit to a one-year fellowship term and will be encouraged to renew their fellowship for an additional one-year term, dependent on performance and available funding. Selected Fellows will be expected to relocate to the Charleston, West Virginia area prior to the start of the fellowship.

Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2025-2026 cycle.

Fellowship Timeline

March 6, 2025: Application Opens

May 2, 2025: Application Closes

Late May 2025: Fellows Announced

August 1, 2025: Fellowship begins

Compensation and Benefits

$65,000 salary for first year

Fully covered health, vision, and dental insurance

401k with 4.5% employer match

Travel to the NCSL annual meeting

Technology Supplement

Professional Development Supplement

What Do WV STeP Fellows Do?

In response to requests from West Virginia state legislators, West Virginia STeP Fellows will draft science and technology (S&T) notes. These evidence-based notes provide an overview of the topic from a scientific and technical perspective, explaining the topic within the context of West Virginia’s societal needs.

Fellows writing these one-page notes will outline the current policies, opportunities, and challenges. They will also analyze the effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and ease of political acceptability of policies from other states responding to the same challenge or opportunity so West Virginia legislators can incorporate this analysis into their decision making. Importantly, S&T notes do not make policy recommendations.

Provided below is a list of specific activities in which Fellows will engage:

  • Synthesize scientific and technical research related to policy topics as identified by members of the West Virginia state legislature into science and technology notes.

  • Monitor and report about science and technology policy activities in the West Virginia legislature to identify possible science and technology note topics for legislators.

  • Identify reputable sources and figures that support and communicate the science and technology policy research topics.

  • Communicate S&T Note findings to West Virginia state and federal policymakers.

  • Prepare figures (where necessary) and PDFs using Adobe InDesign and Canva or similar programs

  • Prepare materials (PowerPoints, handouts, etc.) for briefings to lawmakers and other outreach events.

  • Monitor legislature requests for S&T Notes sent via email and website.

  • Attendance at relevant networking events.

  • Keep in contact following the fellowship to support future fellows and provide information on the impact of the fellowship on your career.