2024 Fellowship Program Charter

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) launched its Policy & Advocacy Fellowship Program (PAFP) in 2021 to raise the collective capacity of its members and ecosystem stakeholders to engage in workforce development advocacy at the federal, state, county, and local level.
Selected Fellows receive intensive training on the federal and state legislative, administrative, and appropriations processes, and tangible experiences in developing and utilizing advocacy strategies.
Participation is by application only; entrance is in PWDA’s sole discretion with judging criteria set forth in writing and posted on the PWDA website. Fellows do NOT have to be a PWDA member.
The PAFP launches each year at the PWDA Symposium in the Fall and concludes at the PWDA Annual Conference in May. Fellows are expected to attend each seminar of the PAFP and complete all projects and assignments including group and individual assignments in between seminars. Fellows may be removed from the program if they have unexcused absences or fail to complete program projects and assignments.
In this program, Fellows receive intensive training on the federal and state legislative, administrative, and appropriations processes, and tangible experiences in developing and utilizing advocacy strategies.
Participation Requirements & Expectations
Upon acceptance into the PWDA Policy & Advocacy Fellowship Program, fellows are required to pay a $500 enrollment fee. This fee must be submitted prior to the start of the program and covers the costs associated with staff time, curriculum development, meals during in-person sessions, and other program-related expenses. Failure to submit the enrollment fee may result in forfeiture of the fellowship spot. Fellows (or their organizations) are expected to pay their own expenses.

Fellows can expect:
  • Exclusive Training: Fellows receive 25+ hours of intensive, specialized instruction on federal and state legislative, administrative, and appropriations processes, offering substantial professional development that is typically high-cost.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Fellows gain detailed knowledge of Pennsylvania’s political, legislative, and budgetary processes, along with effective advocacy strategies that extend well beyond the program.
  • Real-World Advocacy Experience: The program offers tangible experiences in developing and applying advocacy strategies, providing practical, hands-on learning.
  • Access to Experts: Fellows meet with elected officials, legislators, staffers, and policymakers, gaining invaluable insider knowledge and networking opportunities that are difficult to access otherwise.
  • Professional Coaching & Guidance: Participants benefit from personalized coaching from PWDA staff, faculty, and guest experts, adding significant men
  • Grow Your Network & Make Friends: Fellows have the opportunity to build lasting professional relationships and make new friends across Pennsylvania’s workforce development ecosystem. This fellowship fosters a collaborative environment, where participants can connect with peers, leaders, and stakeholders, forming networks that can support career growth and future partnerships.
  • To have fun and learn new things!
Fellows will learn:
  • PA political, legislative, and budgetary processes
  • The Who’s Who of PA state legislators, committees, and leadership
  • Engagement & Advocacy – What Works – What Doesn’t’ – How to Apply It
  • Landscape of PA politics
  • Network with peers across PA
Who should apply/application judging criteria:
  • Three or more years of experience in workforce development
  • Individuals whose position influence policy in organization
  • Applicants do not have to be chief staff executive of their organizations
  • People who are ready to learn and to sharpen skills
  • Demonstrate commitment to 100% attendance in Seminars and completion of group & individual assignments
  • Those with a passion to build and improve the workforce system

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