For the past 10 years, the MIT Science Policy Initiative (SPI) has coordinated the MIT Executive Visit Days (ExVD), where MIT undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs meet with executive agencies in Washington, D.C. to discuss science and technology policy issues. 

This year, we are excited to introduce State & Local Visit Days (StateVD) to help students learn about careers paths in state and local government. In the StateVD sessions, policymakers from state and local government and non-governmental organizations will teach participants about current organizational goals, funding concerns, and policy priorities. Through these meetings, the StateVD program aims to underscore the long-term importance of science, engineering, technology, and innovation that support the state and local government’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

2021 app deadline: TBA.
2022-23 trip date: TBA

More about the program

We will meet virtually with a number of state and local agencies across the country to discuss science and technology policy issues. This is a great opportunity to network and learn about career paths in state and local government.This year, the entire event will be virtual. Instead of meeting in person, we will have video conversations over the course of the day. After the application deadline, we will take everybody's preferences into account and match people to the most relevant meetings.Participants are required to be active in the preparation for the StateVD event. This may include one or two initial calls for students to socialize and for speaking expectations to be established.

What you will gain

- A broad understanding of local science and technology policy ecosystems throughout the U.S.
- Small group interactions with prominent leaders in local government
- The chance to connect with a like-minded cohort

What is expected

- Initial call to meet the cohort and discuss expectations
- Full attendance of the assigned events

Apply now; space is limited! The trip is open to all MIT undergraduates, graduate students, post-docs, and staff. StateVD is international friendly (for most of the careers we'll learn about, you don't need to be a US Citizen!).

Questions? Please contact spi-exec@mit.edu