New York State Education Policy Fellow

*This job position is for current graduate students living near Albany, NY, February - June 2025

BLACC Education Policy Fellow Job Description

Position Overview:

The Education Policy Fellow will be integral to our mission to drive meaningful change in education policy. In this dynamic role, you will learn the skills necessary to shape the future of education by actively engaging in legislative hearings, public meetings, and key events in Albany. As a Fellow, you’ll gain invaluable, hands-on experience in policy analysis, the legislative process, and strategic advocacy; education reform can transform lives and communities. This is an opportunity to make an impact and bring your voice to the forefront of equity and innovation in education.

About BLACC:

The Black, Latinx, Asian Charter Collaborative (BLACC) is a membership-driven organization representing 26 public charter schools serving over 23,000 students, founded and led by people of color in New York. BLACC works on behalf of its member schools to increase their financial, academic, programmatic, advocacy, and management capacity. Their mission is to ensure that all families of color in New York have access to excellent, high-quality public charter schools that are: (1) founded and led by Black, Latinx, and Asian people; (2) engaged in community development; (3) have culturally responsive and innovative practices; and, (4) provide a high-quality education to traditionally underserved communities to break the cycle of poverty and to foster an ecosystem that supports prosperity.

At BLACC we believe deeply in centering communities of color so that the families we serve can exercise self-determination in education, choosing what is best for their children. The BLACC Parent Corps was created because we want parents to tell their own stories. This 8-month program equips charter school parents with essential advocacy and organizing skills, preparing them to become community leaders and drive meaningful change.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor Legislative Activity: Attend and report on legislative hearings, committee meetings, and relevant policy discussions in Albany related to charter schools, student trauma, and education reform.
• Report and Summarize: Provide detailed notes, memos, and reports on proceedings, highlighting critical updates and any potential impacts on education policies.
• Advocacy Support and Research: Conduct research, draft reports, and create briefing materials on current education policies, proposed legislation, and other relevant issues impacting charter schools, student trauma, and education reform.
• Parent Advocacy Support: Assist with scheduling and prepping members of the BLACC Parent Corps to meet with community stakeholders as needed.

Qualifications:

• Current graduate student in Public Policy, Education, Political Science, or a related field (preferred).
• Strong interest in education reform and advocacy.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
• Ability to routinely attend in-person events and meetings in and around Albany.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented.

Compensation: (February - June)

• $2k a month stipend