BPD Summer 2007 Policy Fellow Award

BPD invites BSW students who are currently enrolled or who have completed a policy course(s) to apply for the Summer 2007 Policy Fellow Award sponsored by the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors (BPD) in collaboration with the Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Research (IASWR).  2007 BSW graduates may apply.

This BSW Policy Fellow experience will provide opportunity for an undergraduate social work student to spend the summer of 2007 in Washington D.C. to gain experience in the areas of political advocacy, lobbying, and participating in policy change efforts at the national level.

The selected Fellow is expected to spend 8 to 10 weeks in Washington D.C. under the capable supervision of the Executive Director of IASWR.  It is anticipated that the Fellow will have office space at NASW Headquarters in downtown Washington D.C.

The stipend amount awarded is $5,000 which can be used any way the Fellow deems necessary to assist in covering expenses.  The Fellow is responsible for arranging his/her own housing.

Students applying should have an interest in addressing social work issues through policy-change at the national level and have an understanding of the policy changing process.  The student must be willing to perform administrative, organizing, writing, and research activities.  Basic computer skills are expected including the ability to do research on the internet.

The applicant must submit a resume, a current transcript (unofficial copy), two letters of reference (only one from a social work faculty member), which specifically address the applicant’s ability to work as an advocate on legislative policy.

In addition, the applicant must submit a personal statement of approximately 1,000 words that addresses the following questions:

a)       Based on your area of interest and knowledge of the policy making process, how would you envision using your social work knowledge of policy to contribute to the passage of social work legislative issues?  (child welfare, mental health, health care, etc. )

b)       What are some of your professional goals that would compliment this policy fellow experience?

c)       What experiences have you had that prepared you for this opportunity?

The recipient of the Fellow Award must also commit to attend the March 2008 BPD conference in Destin, Florida to present his/her Washington experience.  (BPD will pay for air travel and one night’s lodging for the student selected). The recipient will also be required to write an article on the experience for publication.

Deadline for receipt of the application material is February 17, 2006.  Applications will be reviewed by the Advocacy and Outreach Committee members who serve as the Selection Committee.  Finalists will be interviewed by telephone.  Please send four (4) copies of the personal statement, resume, letters of reference, and transcript to:

Dr. Susan Kosché Vallem, Chair

BPD Policy Fellow Selection Committee

Department of Social Work

Wartburg College

Box 1003

Waverly, IA  50677-0903

The Chair of the Selection Committee will e-mail or call each applicant within seven days after receiving the application to confirm that the application was received.  If the applicant has not received a receipt confirmation within seven days, please notify Dr. Vallem by e-mailing her at susan.vallem@wartburg.edu, or calling her at

319-352-8250.

The winner of the 2007 Summer Policy Fellow Award will be announced by March 31, 2007.