Applications now open: Science Policy x Equity Accelerator

The field of public policy suffers from a lack of transparency and inclusivity. Crucial policies are too often set by the same few people talking to each other, with limited meaningful opportunities for anyone else to be heard. As a result, public policy fails to reflect the needs or priorities of the vast majority of individuals who are excluded from the policymaking process.

The Day One Project’s “Science Policy x Equity (SPxE)” accelerator is designed to break that cycle. Hosted by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) and Next100, the SPxE accelerator merges these organizations’ respective missions: to advance science, technology, and innovation to deliver dramatic progress on a broad suite of issues, and to change the face and future of policy and build a more inclusive, just, and democratic America.

The SPxE accelerator will provide training and support to individuals who have compelling ideas for policy change at the federal level but lack opportunities to develop their ideas and speak directly to public officials. Participants will also receive a $1,500 stipend upon successful completion of the program. The SPxE accelerator is a virtual, part-time, nine-week opportunity that will run from February 13 to April 16, 2023. The accelerator is open to anyone who identifies as being from an community underrepresented in public policy (see the application page for more information on eligibility) and has an idea aligned with either of these two themes:

• Climate Policy x Equity. Individuals/communities who are disproportionately impacted by climate change are often excluded from policy discussions about climate issues. Ideas aligned with this theme might, for instance, focus on aspects of climate change that are critical for vulnerable communities but overlooked by decision-makers (for example, the effects of power outages caused by extreme weather on Indigenous and Alaska Native populations). Ideas could also explain how to elevate diverse perspectives into climate policy (for example, by providing more opportunities for people to share input in languages besides English).
• Health Policy x Equity. Our nation must minimize health care gaps that undermine quality of life and create unnecessary health care costs—issues that disproportionately impact specific communities, such as communities of color and communities with limited financial means. Ideas aligned with this theme might, for instance, recommend ways the federal government can address continued inequalities related to COVID-19, or how the federal government can improve economic stability, health care access and quality, and other social determinants of health among underserved populations.

Applications for the SPxE accelerator are NOW OPEN. Learn more about the SPxE accelerator and apply by clicking here.