Fellowship - Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) Policy & Advocacy Fellowship Program (PAFP) raises 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.

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 session of the PAFP and complete all projects and assignments. Fellows may be removed from the program if they have unexcused absences or fail to complete program projects and assignments.

The PWDA Policy & Advocacy Fellowship brought together a diverse group of workforce development professionals & thinkers to learn together and build their policy advocacy skills. Not only did we learn from the great team at PWDA and their guest speakers, but we also got to learn from each other. I really appreciated this opportunity and will use the knowledge I’ve gained to be a stronger advocate for the workforce development system moving forward.

Participation requirements & expectations

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 mentorship value to the program.
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!

PWDA gave us all a unique opportunity to step outside of our comfort zones, work with diverse teams in a short time period & explore novel policy solutions to real problems experienced by Pennsylvanians.

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

**2024-2025 Schedule (*subject to change with advance notification from PWDA)**

December 10-11, 2024

Seminar # 1

In-Person at PWDA Office

February 5-6, 2025

Seminar # 2

TBD, Capitol Complex Harrisburg

March 25, 2025

Seminar # 3

Virtual

April 17, 2025

Fellowship Graduation

TBD, Capitol Complex, Harrisburg

Fellows will be required to work independently and in small group to develop and complete assignments, reading materials, conduct legislative outreach, and more. This work will be conducted throughout the Fellowship, including before, during, and after the Seminars.

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

The $500 enrollment fee covers a range of costs incurred in delivering the high-quality fellowship experience, including:

Staff Time: The program requires significant dedication from PWDA staff, who provide personalized coaching, guidance, and mentorship throughout the fellowship.
Curriculum Development: The fellowship features a custom-designed curriculum, developed to provide intensive instruction on legislative, administrative, and appropriations processes, as well as practical advocacy strategies.
Meals: Lunch is provided during in-person sessions, ensuring that participants can focus fully on the training and networking opportunities without the added cost or distraction of meals.

Fellows (or their organizations) are expected to pay their own expenses and manage their own travel accommodations.