Given the concerns and uncertainty in the coming months around events and large gatherings, virtual office environments, and travel restrictions, we have decided to cancel the 2020 Development Apprentice Program (DAP). With the long-term effects and timeline of the Coronavirus pandemic unknown, we are taking every precaution now to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
We did not make this decision lightly, and are still deeply committed to cultivating, training, and retaining development talent long term. We are not canceling the program indefinitely, and we will continue the momentum we’ve built in recruiting for the Development Apprentice Program for 2021.
State Policy Network is launching an expanded development Tuesday Talk series on the foundations and principles of non-profit philanthropy. The series is based off of trainings from the Development Apprentice Program.
While we had to cancel the 2020 summer program due to the current global health crisis, this new Tuesday Talk series will offer participants a unique opportunity to learn about the big picture theory and strategy in development as well as practical skills and tools in executing a fund development plan. Whether you want to expand your knowledge in development to apply to your current role or you would like to explore development as a potential career path, we hope you’ll join us each week as we highlight how you can cultivate relationships that lead to philanthropic partnerships to support the mission of an organization.
Connect your leadership experience and entrepreneurial drive with your passion to make real and lasting change that helps Americans thrive. State Policy Network’s Development Apprentice Program places aspiring leaders who support individual rights and economic freedom at state-based think tanks across the country for a 10-week crash course with on-the-job training in nonprofit fundraising.
Get a head start on your peers with experience and formal training in fundraising, which is required for most executive leadership positions, such as CEOs and board members. Nonprofit executives in leadership roles spend a majority of their time on fundraising to develop relationships and build support for the mission of the organization. Learn how to cultivate relationships that lead to philanthropic partnerships and support for organizations, develop research and analytical skills, and grow your professional network.
Learn more about what previous participants have to say about SPN’s Development Apprentice Program.
As part of this program, participants will:
Why participate?
What benefits do apprentices receive (in addition to the awesome resume experience)?
Where will apprentices be placed for the internship?
“State policy and state think tanks make the most difference. My goal for the future is to promote liberty. Working at the state level may not seem as ‘sexy’ as national politics, but we need more people doing this work—on the ground, practically making a difference, walking the walk and getting things done.”
“I worked in media in summer 2017 and found it unfulfilling. I felt like media was only advancing partisan narratives. When I looked at SPN, I saw that partisan narratives took a backseat to values like freedom and opportunity. Those values mean a lot more and transcend the political machine here in Washington, DC. I’m excited about building relationships to get people invested in change at the state level.”
“DAP has changed my outlook on life and what I want to do. It’s shown me that I have so much more potential than I thought I did, and it’s given me a reason to work harder. I left the DAP program with a job offer, and I’m not even done with school yet. It’s provided me with so many opportunities to grow on both a professional and personal level.”
“I’ve always been really proud to be from Missouri. It’s a state with a lot to offer that is falling behind, because, when it comes to policy, Missouri has things that are getting in our own way of growing. I never realized that philanthropy could be an opportunity to change that. I’m excited to be part of the fuel for change—philanthropy makes it possible.”
This program seeks young leaders with diverse skill sets who support individual rights, personal and economic freedom, and free-market solutions. Previous experience is not required, but an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for liberty is required.
Undergraduates, graduate students, and recent graduates from all disciplines, including social sciences, business, economics, philanthropy, etc., are encouraged to apply.
February 17, 2020: Application Deadline
March 2, 2020: All applicants notified of their status on a rolling basis
March 4-18, 2020: Finalists interview with SPN
April 1, 2020: Selected participants receive placement and finalize all remaining details to prepare for the program.
To be eligible, an applicant must currently reside in the United States and meet all visa requirements, if applicable. Attendance for all program sessions, including the opening seminar, weekly webinars, and internship placement is required.
