Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Justice Policy Network (JPN) fellowship?
The JPN fellowship is a community of emerging and established leaders in criminal justice, advancing the creation and implementation of transformative justice policies and practices. We recruit, train, and mentor a diverse group of individuals interested in pursuing or advancing a career in the government sector specializing in transformative justice legislation.
How does JPN differ from other criminal justice courses?
There will be strategic focus on the ways participants can apply skills they will learn to their existing work and future careers in public policy as well as a concentration on specific criminal justice issues that are relevant and timely.
Since 2015, JPN has been at the forefront of bringing together passionate individuals to discuss how we advance progressive changes to the criminal justice system rooted in the experiences and needs of communities most impacted by the system. Between our Southern California and D.C./Baltimore cohorts, we have trained approximately 100 leaders committed to transforming our justice system regardless of educational and professional background.
Is there a fee to apply for the JPN fellowship?
No, there is no fee to apply for the JPN fellowship.
How do I apply to be a JPN fellow? When is the deadline to apply?
The online application will be made available starting on Monday, March 8th. The online application will close on Sunday April 4th, 11:59pm PST. The online application include:
- Applicant’s Information
- Three short response questions
- Cover Letter (no more than 1 page)
- Resume / CV (no more than 3 pages)
- Two professional references
No more than 20 applicants are admitted to the program every year, which makes the application process competitive. We recommend interested applicants to submit their application as soon as possible as applicants will be admitted on a rolling basis until the deadline on April 4th.
For more information, please go to the “Apply” page.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants should have:
- Strong interest in criminal justice reform and advocacy
- Evidence of leadership skills and potential for leadership growth
- Demonstrated commitment to criminal justice-oriented activities
- For 2021, the fellowship is open to California applicants only
How long is the JPN fellowship? What is the time commitment to the fellowship?
Selected fellows will commit to a combination of four (4) facilitated leadership development sessions, two (2) alumni and fellow-driven activities, two (2) guest speaker sessions, and self-directed learning from April to October 2021.
The training will take place every third Tuesday, every other month, from 5:30pm – 7:00pm PDT virtually via Zoom.
What topics will be covered as part of the fellowship?
The topics that will be covered as a part of fellowship are:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Race, Gender, and Justice
- Community Organizing for Social Change
- Research for Policy Change
- Social Media and Culture Change
What types of resources will be available to fellows during and after the fellowship?
Fellows will have access to criminal justice research materials, policy memos, current events & media coverage materials and job opportunities. Fellows will also have access to influential guest speakers, the JPN Alumni Network, and invite-only events.