Parenting & Families

General Information

Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation Public Policy Fellowship Program

The Kennedy Foundation supports a Public Policy Fellowship Program for professionals in the field of mental retardation (intellectual disabilities). Each year the Foundation brings outstanding individuals to Washington where they observe and participate in public policy development through work on the staff of a congressional committee, or a federal agency. Former Fellows describe the Fellowship as a major event in their professional lives.

Since its founding in 1946, the Foundation has supported the creation of practical programs to benefit persons with mental retardation, their families and their communities. The Foundation has always worked with national leaders who understand the realities of government. The need for skilled leadership in government and public policy has never been greater. In response to this need, the Foundation initiated the Public Policy Fellowship Program in 1980. Fellows receive first-hand knowledge and experience in the development of public policy and the opportunity to participate in the intensive week-long Bioethics course at Georgetown University’s Kennedy Institute of Ethics.

We seek individuals with outstanding experience in: (1) State-level advocacy for persons with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities and their families; (2) education, law, economics, international issues, criminal justice, child welfare or other social services, housing, community organizing or development of community supports and services; (3) health or mental health care policy affecting people with mental retardation; or (4) development of family support services. The successful applicant’s background will include distinguished involvement in efforts to improve the lives of persons with mental retardation and other disabilities at the local, state or national level. The expectation is that fellows will become future leaders in the field of disabilities. The fellowship is intended for individuals in mid-career. It is not an entry-level appointment.

The program provides a one-year full-time exposure to the public policymaking process, and includes a stipend and relocation expenses. Program applicants must be from the United States.

Applicants should submit a 2-4 page letter of interest, including either a résumé or a summary of their involvement in the field, and at least three letters of support. Please direct any questions about the application process to Jill Fosse, 301-565-5476. Applications should show the candidate’s name, address, telephone number(s) and e-mail address on the first page. The preferred method of sending application letters and résumés is via e-mail attachment (i.e. not in the body of the e-mail) to jfosse@jpkf.org. Applicants may follow up with hard copies via regular mail if they wish. Letters of support are also encouraged via e-mail but a hard copy on letterhead with the supporter’s signature must follow in the mail.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible. Any applications that are still incomplete or postmarked after the deadline will not be considered. The Fellowship starting date is to be negotiated with the successful applicant. Finalists will be invited to Washington in the Fall to be interviewed by a distinguished panel of Public Policy experts.

Address letters of application to:

Send This Article To A Friend