Applications are open for the Rennie Center's 2026–27 policy fellowships
The Rennie Center is excited to announce that applications are open for our two policy fellowship programs: the Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship (MEPF) and the Fellowship for Impact in Early Childhood Policy (FFI). These programs are designed for dedicated education and early childhood leaders who want to understand the intricacies of the policy process and work to advance more equitable systems for Massachusetts children. Both programs bring together diverse cohorts of mid-career professionals for a 10-month program of immersive speaker and discussion sessions, field experiences, leadership development, and lasting peer connections.
Massachusetts Education Policy Fellowship (MEPF)
MEPF offers an inside look at how education policy is made and how you can help shape it. Over the last 13 years, MEPF has supported 300+ fellows, including representatives from schools, districts, nonprofits, businesses, and state agencies, to grow their skills and confidence in navigating the policy environment, both in Massachusetts and nationally. Fellows use the knowledge and networks they build through the program to deepen their impact in the field, advancing their careers as education leaders.
Over ten months, fellows explore state and national policymaking, examine the historical roots of today's education system, and develop the leadership skills to become more effective change agents. Through your participation, you will:
- Investigate the education landscape, examining how past and current policies have shaped the education system within Massachusetts and across the nation
- Develop a deeper understanding of your own leadership strengths and skills, while strengthening your professional network
- Identify opportunities to improve the education system through policy, both as individual actors and as part of broader coalitions seeking change
Who should apply? Anyone in an education-related role is welcome to apply, including K-12 classroom teachers, district and state administrators, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, higher education faculty, and others.
The program fee for the 2026-2027 year is $3,200, and you can expect to spend approximately $1,200 more in travel costs for program activities. Fellows are typically sponsored by their employers, who play an important role in the success of the program. Participation benefits sponsors by exposing employees to networking opportunities and significant professional development experiences.
A virtual information session to learn more about the program will be held on Wednesday, May 20th, at 4:00pm.
Fee waivers are available for classroom teachers. Contact Chau Ngo at cngo@renniecenter.org for more information.
Fellowship for Impact in Early Childhood Policy (FFI)
Entering its second year, FFI is designed for professionals across the early childhood ecosystem, including those working in mental health, pediatrics, family and caregiver support, child care, home visiting, and more. Fellows explore how policy shapes every dimension of the early childhood sector and leverage their expertise to drive meaningful change in both policy and practice. The program moves through three phases: understanding your leadership identity, digging into policy structures, and building a cross-sector policy proposal. Through your participation, you will:
- Deepen your knowledge and understanding of key policy issues, structures, and processes
- Build a stronger network of peers, policy leaders, and early childhood professionals from across the state
- Grow and develop your individual leadership skills and position as an early childhood leader
- Identify potential policy changes that could improve early childhood systems
Who should apply? Anyone serving children ages 0-5 and their families is welcome to apply. This includes child care educators, family child care providers, early intervention specialists, home visitors, pediatric healthcare and mental health professionals, family support workers, parent leaders, and more. To be eligible, you must have a strong commitment to supporting young children and their families, a track record for making things happen across agencies/organizations, and substantive work experience and a current formal role within the early childhood field.
For the 2026-2027 year, each participating fellow who meets the program requirements will receive a $1,500 stipend. Travel costs for the Federal Policy Retreat in Washington, D.C. will be covered by the Rennie Center.
All participating fellows will receive leadership development support and coaching from Rennie staff and a curated Advisory Committee. They will also participate in a capstone project developing policy proposals on a topic of their choice.
A virtual information session to learn more about the program will be held on Monday, May 18th, at 4:00pm.
Applications for 2026-27 are due by Friday, June 12th. Please note: these programs are designed for working professionals, and the application process should take no more than an hour. Applications include basic questions about your professional background/current role and a few short open response questions to confirm your interest in and commitment to the program.
WHERE THE TWO FELLOWSHIPS COME TOGETHER: Fellows from both cohorts share several signature experiences throughout the year. These joint moments are among the most powerful, offering a unique opportunity to build cross-sector relationships and experience policy as a connected ecosystem, from the earliest years through K-12 and beyond. Fellows will meet together for the following events:
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Fellows remain employed in their current roles throughout the program. Both fellowships include on-site and virtual learning sessions, many scheduled at the close of the workday to accommodate participants' professional schedules. Please review the MEPF and FFI program calendars before applying.
Questions about the fellowships? Contact Senior Associate Chau Ngo at cngo@renniecenter.org.