The University of Illinois Extension on Monday announced that five University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign graduates will make up the inaugural class of the Illini Science Policy Fellowship (ISPF) program, which matches advanced-degree graduates with mentors in Illinois government and Extension to gain hands-on experience addressing issues critical to Illinois.
The ISPF is a unique post-graduate opportunity that focuses on the policy decisions supporting Extension’s critical issue areas: food, economy, environment, community and health. The program, which is partially supported by the University of Illinois System’s Office of Governmental Relations, matches highly motivated and qualified graduates with sponsor-hosts in public agencies or the Illinois Legislature for a 12-month paid fellowship.
“Now more than ever, it’s important to engage our graduates in solving challenges and supporting communities in Illinois,” said Evangeline S. Pianfetti, Extension outreach associate. “We hope the fellows will gain experience that allows them to see how scientific research and collaboration can inform public policy for the benefit of our diverse Illinois communities.”
The 2020 ISPF awardees include:
- Ruth Adekale (M.S., Management, Gies College of Business) with host Illinois Rep. Y. Camille Lilly, ILBC House Chair and the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation
- Ana Paula Sánchez Bustamante (M.S., Crop Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences) with host Illinois Sen. Omar Aquino, ILLC co-chair and the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus
- Hannah Price (M.S., Animal Science, College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences) with host Illinois Department of Agriculture
- Diamond Ruffin (M.S., Social Work, School of Social Work) with host Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
- Allison Wheeler (M.A., European Union Studies, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences) with host Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology
The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation (ILBCF) and the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus (ILLC) will each host a fellow who will contribute to issue research, partner and event coordination, and constituent engagement on public policy priorities for Fiscal Year 2020-21.
Hosts will supervise, mentor and provide opportunities for fellows to be involved in critical issues that support the fellow’s professional and educational goals while meeting the agency’s needs. Fellows will work with the host office full-time, on site and with other staff and leadership, as appropriate. As part of their experience, fellows will choose Extension projects that align with their fellowship assignments.
“What a crucial time to come together with the bright students who will lead change across our cities and state," said Rep. Lilly, ILBC House chair. "Fellows will partake in a unique paid opportunity, one that merges science, policy and government to work on crucial issues that impact our communities. Opportunities like this are a vehicle to helping young Black and Brown students excel and become leaders in our state. We are excited to host Ruth as we work in tandem with ILBCF Executive Director Tiffany D. Hightower to address issues in the Black community. This opportunity was intentionally designed to work with the ILLC whose communities share similar issues."
“It really takes a multitude of efforts and vision to be able to tackle generational disparities in our community," said Sen. Aquino, ILLC co-chair. "I am thankful to the U of I System for leading this effort to give our talented students access to an incredible experience working with our state government. Investments in our future leaders are critical for their personal and professional development. The ILLC is proud to partner with the U of I System, PepsiCo and the ILBCF to broaden these opportunities for students of color."
These two ISPF positions receive partial support through PepsiCo, which contributes a quarter of direct costs fellows receive. In addition, fellows will have the opportunity to attend panels, briefings and events supported by PepsiCo, as well as engage with PepsiCo’s corporate leadership and Employees Resource Groups.
"At PepsiCo, we recognize that cultivating young talent through education, leadership and employment opportunities is vital to creating a better future, and we're proud to partner with the University of Illinois and the legislative leadership in Illinois to launch the Illini Science Policy Fellowship program," said President of PepsiCo Beverage North America Central Division Neil Pryor. "PepsiCo is committed to helping young people build careers in public policy and providing the tools for our future leaders to succeed.”
The ISPF is a program of U of I Extension, supported by Urbana-Champaign’s Office of the Provost Investment for Growth program, participating host offices, the U of I System Office of Governmental Relations and PepsiCo.
