The Start with Equity Fellowship

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the fellowship specifically for ASU students or Arizona residents?
This opportunity is open to all advanced Master's or doctoral students, postdoctoral scholars, and early career professionals. It is not restricted to a specific state or university.

Can international students apply?
International students are welcome to apply as long as they meet the requirement listed above.

Where would the 1-year fellowship program take place?
The fellowship would primarily take place at your home institution or organization. There will be some travel for meetings during the year. The summer internship will take place at a policy-related organization that will be worked out with you and your mentors (preferably in Washington DC).

When will the Fellowship and summer internship programs begin?
The fellowship will begin in early-mid August of 2023. The internship will occur during the summer of 2024.

What is the duration of the summer internship?
The summer internship is flexible, ranging from 8 to 16 weeks depending upon the availability of the Fellow and needs of the organization. View the placements of our previous Fellows.

What organization will the internship be with?
The specifics of the organization will be tailored to match the preferences of the Fellow.

Would the stipend cover all expenses including housing for the summer internship in Washington, D.C.?
The stipend is disbursed in four payments throughout the year. How the stipend is used is at the discretion of the Fellow. We anticipate that the stipend would cover a majority of your expenses during your summer internship.

What would take place as part of the fellowship during the 2023-2024 academic year?
Applicants will propose a project focused on equity in the early years to the early grades, with direct application to policy. Each Fellow will present their project at a Fellows convening at the end of the Fellowship. The convening will either be held in Washington D.C. or remotely, depending on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each fellow will be required to submit a written deliverable that can be used to support more equitable systems for young children. Deliverables may vary based on the project but may include a white paper, policy brief, or something similar.

Should my project proposal be an ongoing project that I am currently working on in my current Ph.D. program or something that I would like to begin working on?
The proposed project will be at the discretion of the Fellow. Fellows are encouraged to propose new work, or build on existing work, that is applicable to early childhood education and informs state and national policy. Deliverables must be new and unique to the Fellowship.

Can I engage in international work or should my project be focused on U.S. issues and samples?
Given the CEP’s focus on domestic policy issues, projects should be focused on domestic policy issues and young children in the United States.

How long will the professional development convenings be and when will they occur?
COVID-permitting, the convenings will likely be 2-3 days in Washington D.C.; the dates are not yet determined. If we are unable to meet in person, we will hold the meeting(s) remotely and ensure to optimize the experience.

Admission to the program will be announced by the end of July of each year.