Washington, D.C., Dec. 19, 2006—The Institute for Higher Education Policy today announced a new initiative called the Global Policy Fellows Program (GPFP) to further postsecondary education opportunities for historically disadvantaged populations. Created as a three-year program for early-career research and policy professionals, GPFP is a unique and vigorous learning experience for a select group of exceptional and diverse individuals who are dedicated to improving postsecondary education policies to bring about positive economic and social development around the world.
With its inaugural curriculum slated to begin in 2007, GPFP utilizes a cohort-style approach to foster collaboration on essential policy work to influence challenges in postsecondary education. Potential areas of exploration include admissions and testing, science and technology, higher education finance, infrastructure capacity, privatization, and higher education preparation. Once chosen, participants work in teams with colleagues from their home countries as well as participants from other countries. First-year participants include residents and citizens from the following countries: Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, Mongolia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine, and the United States. Additional countries are likely to participate in subsequent cohorts. Participants also receive a $2,500 (U.S.) stipend per year and travel allowance for required meetings in South Africa and Washington, D.C. The Ford Foundation is providing initial support for GPFP.
“The imperative of higher education as an essential component of economic and social development is now a given in most nations,” said Institute President Jamie P. Merisotis. “As nations improve their ability to deliver higher education, there is a glaring need for more and better capacity to develop policies that can enhance access and success for students. The Global Policy Fellows Program represents a unique opportunity to train the next generation of policy analysts and leaders who will be critical to the expansion of higher education opportunities around the world.”
Additionally, GPFP requires participants to finalize their findings and recommendations by 2009. Completed participant assignments are then summarized and published—printed publications are to include an international report and policy brief—and disseminated to a wide audience of national and regional governments, higher education authorities, and international organizations.
Applications are due by Feb. 14, 2007. For additional questions about GPFP or the Institute for Higher Education Policy, send a request via e-mail to globalpolicyfellows@ihep.org.