Training Program

Through its training program for fellows, the Zigler Center gives young researchers the opportunity to conduct policy-relevant research, learn about current policy issues affecting children and families, gain an understanding of how policy is made and develop some of the skills necessary to work effectively in the policy arena. Fellows work under the guidance of a Center faculty member. Sandra Bishop-Josef oversees all activities within the training program, which also includes the Center’s weekly Social Policy Lecture Series, fellows' meetings and an annual policy orientation trip to Washington, D.C.

The majority of fellows are graduate students (in a variety of disciplines); other fellows are psychology or social work interns, child psychiatry fellows, research assistants, post-doctoral researchers, educators, writers, and a small group of Yale undergraduates. Approximately 50 fellows affiliate with the Center each year. Over 500 fellows, who have since graduated, participated in the training program since the Center’s inception in 1978. Former fellows include the Deans of the Schools of Education at Harvard and Stanford and leaders in academia, federal and state government, and advocacy.

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