Students: Want to Learn About Science Policy?
Ashlee Wilkins
The AAS seeks applications from upper-level undergraduate and graduate student AAS members with interest — but not necessarily strong experience — in science policy to attend the Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) Workshop hosted by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Washington, DC, 24−27 March 2019. In 2019, the AAS will sponsor one student participant from among our student members. The application to be considered for the AAS-sponsored slot is open through Friday, 8 February at 11:59 PM EST at this form.
If you are also an AAAS member, you may apply for one of the four AAAS-sponsored spots here (by 28 January). Your institution or another professional society of which you are a member may also sponsor students to attend the CASE workshop; check the CASE website for a list of sponsoring institutions (scroll down to bottom of page) and follow up with the listed contact. You may apply for CASE through the AAS and through other sponsors; we just ask that you disclose where else you are submitting an application on our application form.
Why attend the CASE workshop?
CASE is an entry-level program for students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), with limited experience and knowledge of science policy and advocacy, who are interested in learning about the role of science in policymaking. The workshop is designed to introduce students to the federal policymaking process and to empower them to become a voice for basic research throughout their careers. AAS sponsorship to CASE includes travel to/from and lodging in Washington, DC, for the duration of the workshop as well as the registration fee, which covers meals throughout the workshop. On the final day of the workshop, students will meet with Congressional offices on Capitol Hill.
Who is eligible?
In order to apply and receive AAS sponsorship for participation in the CASE workshop, student applicants must:
- be a current AAS member (with undergraduate, graduate, or full membership);
- be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate (preferably as an upperclassmen) or graduate degree program (including double majors) in astronomy, (astro)physics, planetary science, solar physics, or related field;
- be interested in science policy and advocacy, but have limited experience and knowledge of it;
- demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills;
- and be available to participate in the full CASE workshop in Washington, DC, from 5:00 pm on Sunday, 24 March through the full day on Wednesday, 27 March (tentative CASE agenda).
Students from foreign countries are eligible to attend if they are studying here in the US.
Learn more and apply
Check out the AAAS page about the CASE Workshop to learn more about the program, including information about how you or a student you know can participate in future workshops. Additionally, the 2016 AAS-sponsored participant, Kevin Cooke, wrote about his experience for the AAS Policy Blog.
CASE may not be appropriate for students who already been introduced to science policy and policymaking. If that is you, and you are interested in learning more about these topics, check our list of science policy opportunities, consider volunteering for the 2019 AAS Congressional Visits Day, and/or get in touch with the AAS Public Policy Office. If this leaves you unsure if you should apply, then please email the AAS Public Policy Office to discuss.