Many students who are interested in gaining policy-related experience are uncertain about where or how to get started. The Research-to-Policy Collaboration at Penn State recruits policy interns on a rolling basis, three times a year. The Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center is currently accepting applications for a policy practicum that could be either research- or practice-focused, depending on the needs of the student. Research projects include understanding how legislation incorporates a research-basis (e.g., justifying certain actions; used in programmatic regulations) and evaluation and CQI to improve research translation and dissemination efforts. Practice-focused projects vary widely depending on current needs of Congressional offices and often involve networking with subject matter experts to distill research evidence via literature summaries, fact sheets, op-eds, policy briefs, or in-person congressional briefing events.
For more information, contact Taylor Scott, Ph.D., Research Assistant Professor, Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center.