Georgetown university establishes a fellowship program, enlisting former federal technology experts.
In a move aimed at bridging the gap between technology and public service, Georgetown University has announced tech-focused fellowships for nine former federal employees. The fellows, who come from diverse backgrounds including politics, law, public policy, foreign service, and technology sectors, will be participating in the university's interdisciplinary Tech & Society initiative.
Lynn Overmann, the executive director of the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown, will chair the initiative. Overmann herself has served in tech leadership roles across several federal departments and argues that tech experts with government experience are well-equipped to solve non-tech problems.
The fellowships are split into two groups: Federal Alumni Fellows and Digital Service Alumni Fellows. The Federal Alumni Fellows will work to advance competition policy and antitrust enforcement in the tech sector, modernize consumer protection and competition for American innovation, and support expanded internet access for underserved communities. On the other hand, the Digital Service Alumni Fellows will collaborate with the Federation of American Scientists to develop and execute 'big wins' that significantly impact the science and tech policy landscape.
Overmann, who previously helped lead the U.S. Digital Service (USDS) as a senior advisor during the Biden administration, is particularly excited for the fellows to make connections with students who are interested in civic tech. The fellowships offer students access and engagement with experienced technology and policy leaders.
The fellowships were announced on Wednesday and are part of a broader effort to continue nonpartisan research and analysis in the specialists' fields. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission have former chief technologists in the fellowship program, and policy experts from the Commerce Department, National Economic Council, and White House Climate Policy Office are also part of the initiative.
However, the Trump administration's efforts to shrink the size of the civil service have limited opportunities for students to enter public service. Fortunately, there are openings at the state and local levels for students interested in public service.
To further support the fellows, Georgetown University offers discounts on master's degrees and professional certificates for former federal employees. The university is hopeful that these fellowships will contribute to a new generation of leaders who can navigate the complex intersection of technology and public policy.
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