Center for the Study of Politics and Governance

Just two weeks remain until the Policy Fellows application deadline on Sunday, May 10.

If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills and broaden your impact in public and civic life, now is the time to apply.

Learn more and submit your application at z.umn.edu/PFApp2026

Have questions? Email us at [email protected]. We’re always happy to help!

Policy Fellows Application Interested in applying for the Policy Fellows program? Learn more about the application requirements and process.

Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming Professor Sarah Binder for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on the federal budget in the latest event of our Mondale Dialogues series. You can watch the full event here: z.umn.edu/MondaleDialoguesSarahBinder26

We’re grateful to Bill & Penny George and the George Family Foundation for their generous support in making the Mondale Dialogues possible.

🎉 Applications Are NOW OPEN! 🎉

Are you a Minnesota leader ready to grow, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact? The Policy Fellows program brings together leaders from across sectors, backgrounds, and communities to take on real challenges and help shape Minnesota’s future.

More than a leadership program, Policy Fellows is a transformational experience equipping you to lead across differences and drive meaningful change where it matters most.

💡 Ready to take the next step? Apply today: z.umn.edu/PFapp2026

📅 Join our information webinar on Wednesday, April 2, from 12:00–1:00 p.m. Register here: z.umn.edu/PFInfo2026

Policy Fellows Application Interested in applying for the Policy Fellows program? Learn more about the application requirements and process.

Just one week to go!

Applications open March 2 for the 2026–27 cohort. This high-impact leadership experience brings mid-career professionals together to sharpen their policy skills, grow as leaders, and build lasting connections with peers across sectors.

If you, or someone you know, are ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, mark your calendar and get ready to apply!

Thank you to everyone who has given so far! Each gift is a reminder that the only way forward is by working together. In a time when trust and understanding can feel scarce, this program continues to offer something rare: a space where difference becomes dialogue​ and where dialogue becomes action.

If you haven’t given yet, now is a meaningful moment to step in.
Watch this video celebrating 35 years of ​Policy Fellows impact​ and help ensure the next 35.
https://z.umn.edu/PF35Video

Make your gift today and support leaders who ​want to build bridges across difference and turn division into progress​.

Make your gift now: https://z.umn.edu/PolicyFellowsGTMD25

P.S. After you’ve given, please spread the word and encourage giving from your fellow Fellows and friends.

I'm supporting University of Minnesota Foundation! Crowdfunding for University of Minnesota causes

A Message from Policy Fellows Alumni Board Chair

My name is Jasmine Carey, and I am the current Alumni Board Chair. I was a Policy Fellow in 2018–19. It was my first year working directly to advance policy at the Minnesota Capitol. The program offered a space where I could hold on to my personal values while learning alongside fellows with diverse life experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives in a space that challenged my thinking and strengthened my ability to lead with a nonpartisan lens.

The Policy Fellows program provided a parallel educational experience that enhanced my political strategy and created meaningful professional connections.

Today, we face complex challenges — partisan political tension, rapidly changing job market and an ever-evolving policy landscape. Programs like this are more important than ever. They remind us that seeking to understand dissent, engaging in curious discourse and walking in courageous leadership can still drive change.
As we approach the end of the year, I’m asking you to join me in ensuring that future Policy Fellows can access the same transformative opportunity.

During Give to the Max Day, help us reach our goal of 100 donors and 50 sustaining donors who believe in investing in Minnesota’s next generation of civic leaders. My journey as a Fellow was made possible through a scholarship, and that investment opened doors that continue to shape my work and leadership today.

I’ve personally committed to becoming a sustaining donor — adding it to my list of monthly subscriptions — and I invite you to do the same. Your gift, no matter the size, helps create lasting impact. Thank you for your support.

Give today
https://crowdfund.umn.edu/participants/PolicyFellows2025

A Call for Support from Larry Jacobs

Greetings,

America’s divisions are deep and ominous. More than 4 out of 10 Americans are troubled by the political violence targeting conservatives and liberals and 82 percent blame today’s political discourse. More than 6 out of 10 are afraid to share publicly their political views because of the risk of professional or social backlash.

How will our communities survive? The challenge is daunting precisely because power is shared and our work and non-work lives routinely mingle with people we may fundamentally disagree with.

I find myself returning to the norms that are the guardrails for the Policy Fellows – a program that intentionally engineers dialogue across our differences. We have come to appreciate the necessity of seeing difference and developing the social muscle to engage meaningfully with Fellows who hold differing views.

Here are a few of the norms that Policy Fellows discuss and practice every session:
● Ask good questions that convey where you are coming from and truly seek to understand another’s view.
● Listening without disagreeing does not mean you agree. Listen with curiosity and ask clarifying questions.
● Be aware of experiencing discomfort. Frame as an opportunity for learning.
● Acknowledge what is happening: “That was hard to hear.” “This is difficult.”

Authentic, intentional listening and learning from discordant ideas creates remarkable experiences for today’s Policy Fellows. It is also nurturing alums who have the skills and interest in dialogue across difference – a vital ingredient for navigating our divisive times.

Nearly three quarters of today’s Policy Fellows rely on scholarships to enroll. To continue this essential work, we need all of our alumni and friends to show strong support for the Policy Fellows on Give to the Max Day.

Thank you for your generosity.

Give today
https://crowdfund.umn.edu/participants/PolicyFellows2025

We’re only one week away from the next Mondale Dialogues event on November 18 from noon to 1:00 p.m.

Join us and our special guest, Alexander Heffner, for an eye-opening session on the budget, why it matters, and how we can make the conversation more inclusive.

Register here: https://z.umn.edu/MondaleDialoguesBudget25

Event is made possible by Penny and Bill George and the George Family Foundation.

Most people tune out when they hear “federal budget.” But here’s the thing, it shapes every issue we care about. Join us for our upcoming Mondale Dialogues event with special guest Alexander Heffner and hear why your voice matters in these conversations.

Event Details
November 18
12:00-1:00 p.m.
Humphrey School or via Zoom.

Register here: https://z.umn.edu/MondaleDialoguesBudget25

Event is made possible by Penny and Bill George and the George Family Foundation.

Want to see what other events we have coming up this fall? Visit: z.umn.edu/CSPGEvents

We’re proud to introduce the 2025–26 Policy Fellows at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs! This year’s cohort brings together accomplished leaders from across Minnesota working government, business, and nonprofit organizations. Throughout the year, they’ll strengthen their leadership skills, build connections across sectors, and explore solutions to some of today’s most pressing public issues through their group projects.

Join us in celebrating them and follow along here for highlights throughout the year!

Meet the Fellows: z.umn.edu/2025-26-policyfellows