Policy & Advocacy
Fellowship
The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA) Policy & Advocacy Fellowship Program (PAFP) builds the capacity of workforce professionals and ecosystem stakeholders to engage in effective workforce development advocacy at the federal, state, county, and local levels.
Selected Fellows receive intensive training on federal and state legislative, administrative, and appropriations processes, along with practical experience developing policy recommendations and advocacy strategies. Participation is by application only. PWDA will review applications using the criteria outlined on this page and will make final selection decisions.
The 2026-2027 Fellowship begins in October 2026 and concludes with a Presentation Town Hall and Graduation in March 2027. Fellows are expected to attend all required sessions, participate in scheduled team check-ins, and complete individual and group assignments throughout the program.
“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.”
fellowship program
Applications Are Open
Applications for the 2026-2027 PWDA Policy & Advocacy Fellowship are open August 1 through September 8, 2026.
Fellows are expected to attend every required Fellowship session and team check-in. Between sessions, Fellows will work independently and in small teams to complete readings, assignments, policy research, legislative outreach, a policy brief, and related advocacy products. Fellows may be removed from the program for unexcused absences or failure to complete required work.
Program Details
- Program Period:
- October 7, 2026 - March 25, 2027
- Cost:
- $750 enrollment fee upon acceptance
- Where:
- In-person sessions in Camp Hill & Harrisburg; Virtual sessions | Lunch is provided for in-person sessions
- Application:
- Required
2026-2027 Schedule
Fellows will complete additional individual assignments, team meetings, research, peer review, and project work between the scheduled sessions. Accepted Fellows will receive the full program calendar and assignment deadlines.
Upon acceptance into the PWDA Policy & Advocacy Fellowship Program, Fellows are required to pay a $750 enrollment fee. The fee must be paid before the Fellowship begins.
The enrollment fee supports the customized Fellowship curriculum, intensive training, personalized coaching and guidance from PWDA staff and guest experts, program materials, and meals during in-person sessions. Fellows or their organizations are responsible for travel and lodging 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 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!
Fellows Will Learn:
- Navigate Pennsylvania and federal legislative, regulatory, and budget processes.
- Identify the policymakers, committees, agencies, and staff who influence workforce decisions.
- Analyze policy proposals and explain their impact on the workforce system.
- Turn workforce expertise and data into practical policy recommendations.
- Develop a policy brief and advocacy strategy with a small project team.
- Communicate effectively with elected officials, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Who Should Apply:
- Workforce development professionals with three or more years of experience.
- Individuals whose roles allow them to influence, inform, or implement workforce policy or organizational decisions.
- Professionals at any organizational level; applicants do not need to be the chief executive of their organization.
- Individuals who are ready to learn and sharpen their policy and advocacy skills.
- Applicants who can commit to attending all required sessions and completing individual and group assignments.
- People with a passion for strengthening Pennsylvania’s workforce development system.
PWDA will review applications based on each applicant’s connection to workforce development; ability to influence, inform, or implement workforce decisions; motivation to strengthen policy and advocacy skills; interest in workforce policy; ability to contribute to a collaborative project team; and commitment to the full Fellowship schedule. PWDA will also seek a cohort representing a range of organizations, roles, regions, and perspectives.