Considering applying to the Health Policy Fellowship?

Here are answers to some frequenlty asked questions about the fellowship.

I am an undergraduate or graduate student, can I apply to the fellowship?

No. At this time, the CHRT Health Policy Fellowship is only open to mid-career professionals. 

I live out of state, am I eligible to apply to the fellowship?

No. The fellowship is Michigan-based and requires in-person attendance at each of the didactic sessions in Ann Arbor, MI.

I have limited knowledge of health policy, can I still apply to the fellowship?

Yes! We welcome applicants at all stages in their policy journey to gain direct exposure to the policymaking process at both the state and national levels (including sessions in Lansing, Detroit, and Washington, DC). Our goal is to equip researchers, policymakers, and nonprofit leaders with the knowledge, skills, and connections to effectively bridge research, practice, and policy. We aim to create a shared understanding between Michigan’s health services researchers, non-profit leaders, and health policymakers. 

What is the expected time commitment for the fellowship?

The fellowship takes place over the course of 4-months (typically, end of January through early May). Didactic sessions take place in Ann Arbor, 1-2 Fridays a month. 

During these 4 months, there are day trips to Detroit and Lansing, and a 2 ½ day trip to Washington, DC. The dates for these trips will be set prior to the start of the fellowship to allow adequate time for participants to make necessary arrangements. 

Should I apply as a researcher, policymaker, or nonprofit fellow? 

We understand that many of our applicants work across all three sectors and that it can be hard to categorize your background into one “bucket” of work. The good news is that all three applicant types have the same application process and that your application will not be impacted by your selected applicant type. 

In general, these categories are used to help CHRT staff understand your background, expertise, form of tuition, and how best to cater our didactic sessions to your interests. Beyond our internal understanding, you will not be sorted into distinct groups during the sessions as we actively promote opportunities for participants to engage with one another across sectors. If you have any questions or concerns about your application, please contact Holly Quivera Teague, fellowship program manager, at [email protected]

Will my application be negatively impacted if I self-select the wrong applicant type?

There is no “wrong” applicant type! If we believe your background is better aligned with an applicant type different than the one you selected, we will communicate that with you early on in the application process. 

Is there a cost associated with participating in the fellowship?

Yes. For providers, researchers, and MHA staff, there is a $5,500 tuition fee associated with participation in the fellowship. Your department chair, dean, or executive director must provide a letter of support stating they will financially support your participation in the fellowship and provide tuition upon request.

For policy fellows, including legislative staffers and MDHHS representatives, CHRT will sponsor your participation in the fellowship.

Nonprofit Fellows: If you are a current or past grantee of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, you may be selected by the MHEF as a preferred applicant. The MHEF creates a list of priority areas (e.g. food policy, maternal health, environmental health) and provides CHRT with the names and contact information of grantees in each priority area. CHRT will reach out to you to apply. If selected, MHEF will sponsor your participation in the fellowship. 

Are there any assignments required for the fellowship?

Yes. Nonprofit and Research fellows will be asked to select a health topic on which to write either an Op-Ed or a one-pager. Fellows will be asked to provide one draft to be workshopped during one of the sessions and one final version to informally present to their peers.

Policy fellows do not have to fulfill this requirement as they will be helping to workshop their peers’ drafts and final products. 

How much time can I expect to spend working on assignments for the fellowship?

The amount of time spent on creating the one-pager or Op-Ed is up to you. With that said, we do encourage participants to take advantage of the resources available via the fellowship, including but not limited to: a workshopping session with an editor at the Detroit Free Press, CHRT support in getting your Op-Ed published, access to policy experts and legislative staffers, and more.