The Colorado Science & Technology Policy Program (STPP) is a nonpartisan professional development opportunity for both students and professionals in scientific and technical fields. Through two distinct tracks, the STPP Fellows and STPP Summer Scholars learn about evidence-based policy development and apply their technical backgrounds for nonpartisan research.  

Colorado faces a myriad of complex scientific and technological challenges, including water resources, air quality, an energy transition, advanced technology, and public health needs. Yet access to reliable scientific and technical expertise demands dedicated resources that are not always readily available to a hybrid legislature. Through the Colorado STPP, we can bridge this gap and ensure that scientific information is timely, accessible, and usable. 

STPP Fellowship  

The STPP Fellowship is a full-time, year-round position for terminal-degree holding scientists and technologists to work within the Legislative Council Staff nonpartisan research office to support the Colorado General Assembly.  

STPP Summer Scholars

The STPP Summer Scholars is a program for current STEM graduate (Master’s, or PhD) or upper-level undergraduate students in Colorado interested in public policy. Scholars spend their summer learning about the intersection between science and policy through site visits and engaging with experts in the field and developing a capstone policy proposal project.  

Together, both the STPP Scholars and Fellows create a pipeline opportunity for scientists to engage in the policy process, gaining valuable experience and skills, while creating a new generation of scientific-minded leaders in Colorado. 

Learn more about each track below, including application details and eligibility, FAQs, current and past participants, sponsors, and more.