Policy Analytics Research Program

The Policy Analytics Research program was created to help cultivate research at the intersection of the social sciences, technology, and public policy. The program matches talented students in technology or computational fields with professors that are conducting research projects in the social sciences. Students that are accepted into the program will be awarded with a $5,500 stipend and will gain access to valuable technical training and research opportunities.

We are currently accepting student applications for the Spring and Fall semesters of 2023. To learn more about the program, check out some of these frequently asked questions. To apply for the program, fill out the below application. For any additional questions, contact us directly.

Policy Analytics Research Program Application Form

 FAQs

    • $5,500 stipend that will be awarded throughout the program.

    • Two day in-person workshop that will focus on enhancing technology-related skills.

    • The opportunity to work on a cutting-edge research project with a talented professor.

    • Access to a growing network of students, professors, and organizations that are interested in public policy research and technology.

    • November 28th, 2022 - student application deadline for the Spring 2023 semester.

    • December 9th, 2022 - final decisions are made for students in the application process for the Spring 2023 semester.

    • January 13th and 14th, 2023 - DC based in person seminar for the Spring 2023 semester.

    • January 23rd and May 12th, 2023 - the start and end dates of the Spring 2023 research semester.

    • July 1st, 2023 - student application deadline for the Fall 2023 semester.

    • July 14th, 2023 - final decisions are made for students in the application process for the Fall 2023 semester.

    • August 28th and December 16th, 2023 - the start and end dates of the Fall 2023 research semester.

  • The Policy Analytics Research Program is looking for students that have a variety of technology related skills. Including but not limited to:

    • Python

    • SQL

    • Web Scraping

    • Database Creation and Management

    • Data Wrangling

    • Machine Learning

    • Natural Language Processing

    • AWS and Other Cloud Platforms

    In addition to technical skills, any experience answering research questions in any social science field is extremely beneficial.

  • The two day workshop will focus on enriching each students’ knowledge of emerging technologies and the needed skills to apply this knowledge to policy research. The workshop will also provide valuable networking opportunities.

  • The total award of up to $5,500 will take the form of a stipend and covers travel and lodging for the two day seminar as well as the time spent on research. The stipend will be paid out in two halves. The first half after being accepted into the program and signing an offer letter. The second half at the end of the semester.

  • The following are expected from students:

    • Attending the two day in-person seminar.

    • At least 10 hours of work per week for the semester that advances the assigned research project.

    • Active communication with the professor heading up the research project and the research program’s point of contact.

    • Integrity in both research and relationships. Students should adhere to transparency and the scientific method when conducting research. Likewise, students should be respectful and honest when interacting with their partnered professor.

  • Research proposals are submitted to the program well in advance of the semester’s start and can be submitted by any professor or researcher from around the world. This process leads to a wide variety of research ideas that can touch on any aspect of public policy, both in the United States and abroad. Previous research topics include regulation, education, law, healthcare, trade, and others

  • The program team strives to match professors and students that have similar research goals and are interested in the same research topics. Part of the interview process will involve determining potential research project matches for each applicant.

  • A team member will reach out each applicant within a couple of weeks of applying. Either an interview will be scheduled with the applicant or the applicant will be informed that they will not be moved forward in the application process.