IDRA Education Policy Fellow

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

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

• 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

Application Process

• 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.