BPD invites BSW students who are currently enrolled in or who have completed a policy course(s) to apply for the Summer 2006 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).

This BSW Policy Fellow experience will provide the opportunity for an undergraduate social work student to spend the summer of 2006 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 eight to ten 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 in any way the fellow deems necessary to assist in covering expenses. The fellow is responsible for arranging his or 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 and research activities. Basic computer skills are expected, including the ability to do research on the internet.

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

In addition, the applicant must submit a 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 have prepared you for this opportunity?

The recipient of the fellow award must also commit to attend the 2006 BPD conference in Los Angeles, California, to present his or 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 about the experience for publication.

Deadline for receipt of the application material is February 10, 2006. Please submit statement of intent electronically as a Word document to susan.vallem@wartburg.edu. Letters of reference may also be submitted electronically. Additionally, please send one (1) hard copy of the statement of intent and four (4) copies of the résumé, 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 email 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 emailing her at susan.vallem@wartburg.edu or calling her at (319) 352-8250.

The winner of the 2006 Summer Policy Fellow Award will be announced by March 31, 2006.