Founder Fellows

More Than a Fellowship. A Chance to Shape What Comes Next.

Our fellows are not just interns. They are partners in the Campaign’s work to expand college opportunity and advance a more equitable future for higher education. From shaping policy and conducting research to developing communications campaigns, fellows contribute to meaningful work while building the skills, relationships, and experience to become the next generation of higher education leaders.

“Analyzing and interpreting policy information directly aligns with my graduate program, and I have already begun putting these skills into practice,” said Campaign Policy Fellow Chloe Williams, who started college while in prison, completed her bachelor’s degree at UC Berkeley, and went on to enroll in graduate school at San José State University. “I am living proof of education policy in action.”

Campaign fellows are embedded members of our Policy, Research, or Communications teams, contributing directly to high-impact projects and priorities. With the Campaign’s mentorship, network, and support, fellows strengthen their analytical, strategic, and professional skills while gaining a deep, practical understanding of California’s higher education and policy landscape.

Fellows have…

• Completed capstone projects on higher education topics of their choosing
• Met with state policymakers during Advocacy Day in Sacramento
• Compiled, analyzed, and translated data into actionable research
• Co-authored research reports and op-eds
• Developed social media and communications campaigns
• Contributed to policy advocacy with the potential to improve opportunities for California students

And they have gone on to…

• Earn PhDs and other advanced degrees
• Build careers at leading education and advocacy organizations
• Work alongside policymakers
• Become policymakers themselves

Every fellow who comes through the Campaign has the potential to carry this work into classrooms, campuses, communities, organizations, and policymaking spaces for years to come. Your support helps give emerging higher education leaders the mentorship, experience, and opportunity to turn their passion into impact and create greater opportunity for the students who follow.