Apply Today to IDRA’s Education Policy Fellowship!

The IDRA Education Policy Fellowship prepares emerging advocates to influence education policy through real-world legislative experience, mentorship, coalition building and advocacy training in Texas.

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IDRA is changing the landscape of state education policy advocacy by training early- to mid-career advocates to influence state laws and lead a powerful network of impacted and engaged communities. Our goal is to prepare advocates to advance an agenda that ensures all students have access to excellent public schools that prepare them to succeed in college and life.

The 2026-27 cohort of IDRA Education Policy Fellows will receive real-world training on advancing an educational equity agenda during the 2027 legislative session in Texas. The ideal candidate has a desire to learn about state-level policymaking and apply their skills and background to their work.

Each fellow will receive:

• Training in the state legislative process, including how to employ a variety of advocacy strategies;
• Access to a network of educational equity advocates who have influenced generations of policy and litigation in Texas;
• Real-time, real-world training during the Texas legislative sessions;
• At least one policy mentor, based on fellows’ interests;
• Training in IDRA’s family leadership in education framework, which centers families and students in educational policy reform;
• Access to statewide coalitions of advocates;
• Experience building an advocacy campaign to advance an educational equity agenda focused on college access and completion; and
• $55,000 stipend plus contribution toward medical insurance.

Apply Now to Become an IDRA Education Policy Fellow!

The fellowship application process is open now! To apply, submit a cover letter, curriculum vita or resumé, and contact information for two professional references.

To be eligible, fellowship applicants must:

• Be committed to a full-time, in-person fellowship starting September 29, 2026, and ending June 28, 2027.
• Live in or around Austin and be able to quickly travel to the Texas Capitol building during the fellowship.
• Share a belief that public schools should prepare all students to access and succeed in college.
• Show a demonstrated interest in protecting public education and advancing educational justice and connections to the historically-marginalized communities most impacted by inequities in the public education system.
• Have lived and/or professional experience that is relevant to the fellowship, including experience with one or more of IDRA’s policy priority areas.
• Have a willingness to teach and share knowledge and skills, including those gained during the fellowship, with students, families, IDRA staff and fellows, and other partners.
• Possess a commitment to building relationships with young people, families, teachers and other public education advocates.
• Demonstrate excellent writing skills for various purposes and audiences.
• Have an interest in learning multiple facets of policymaking, including data analysis and research; messaging; coalition management; bill analysis; and in-person advocacy
• Be committed to expanding access to excellent pre-K-12 and college access and completion opportunities for students, particularly students of color, immigrant students, students from families with limited incomes and other historically-marginalized groups.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including a willingness to meet and interact with people with opposing views and beliefs.

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Application Process

To apply please complete the using our application form.

• Completed application form
• Cover letter
• Curriculum vita or resumé
• Contact information for two professional references

Application deadline: July 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT 

The IDRA Education Policy Fellows Program is open to all eligible applicants regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, ability or sexual orientation. The IDRA Education Policy Fellows Program is generously supported by the Trellis Foundation.

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Hear from Our Previous Education Policy Fellows!

See profiles of each of our previous fellows’ work, our external evaluation and our series of Classnotes Podcast episodes as fellows describe their experiences in the program.

In our last cycle (2024-25), fellows produced policy analyses and research reports; 13 testimonies; nine articles; eight policy alerts; seven media interviews; five podcast episodes; four communication tools, like infographics, social media content and student resources; speaking engagements; and helped coordinate activities of two community coalitions and community events.

Vist our IDRA Education Policy Fellowship Webpage

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FAQs

What is the IDRA Education Policy Fellowship?

The fellowship is a full-time program that prepares advocates to advance educational equity through policy analysis, coalition building, legislative advocacy and community engagement.

Who should apply for the fellowship?

The fellowship is designed for early- to mid-career advocates interested in public education, educational justice and state-level policymaking.

Is the fellowship paid?

Yes. Fellows receive a $55,000 stipend plus a contribution toward medical insurance.

Where is the fellowship located?

The fellowship is based in Austin, Texas, and fellows must be able to travel regularly to the Texas Capitol during the legislative session.

What experience do fellows gain?

Fellows receive training in policymaking, legislative advocacy, bill analysis, messaging, coalition management, research and family leadership.

When is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by July 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CT.