Launched in 2011 by the Office of the Cuyahoga County Executive, the Cuyahoga County Public Policy Fellowship has provided an in-depth look into local government to over 70 aspiring public and nonprofit sector leaders. Through this experiential learning program, fellows are placed within County departments for a period of eight weeks during the months of June and July. Department placements provide opportunities for students to build their professional profile through work on special projects, policy development, and research, while reinvigorating County government with fresh eyes and new perspectives.

The 2019 program attracted talent from across the country, with 11 fellows beginning work with the County on June 3. Fellow department placements include Development, Inspector General, Health and Human Services, Regional Collaboration, Public Safety and Justice Services, Communications, Innovation and Performance, and Sustainability.

Ursula McVey is a Public Policy Fellow for the Department of Sustainability and a current student at Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs. During her time as a fellow, Ursula is working to reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill by County facilities. She will be compiling an assessment of the County’s current recycling and waste disposal system and is providing recommendations on how to increase employee recycling and bring composting to County facilities.

“My experience at the County has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Ursula. “I really appreciate the amount of autonomy I have and the opportunity to do meaningful work.”

“We are thrilled with the Public Policy Fellow Program and the quality of fellows who have come through it,” said Mike Foley, Director of Sustainability. “Ursula McVey, our current fellow, is no exception. She is smart, confident, energetic and thorough and her support to our team this summer is invaluable.”

Dalton Hennes, a Public Policy Fellow in the Department of Public Safety and Justice Affairs, is researching best practices for reducing the disproportionate representation of minority youth engaged in the juvenile justice system. His final project will be composed of recommendations on what practices have the best outcomes, which ones are well suited for Cuyahoga County and what outcomes can be expected in regard to the administration of the Juvenile Delinquency Prevention grant that the County receives, which equates to about $100,000 annually.

“My experience thus far has been incredibly rewarding,” Dalton said. “I have been introduced to many County services and procedures that have really helped me to get a cohesive picture of what the County is capable of in service to its most vulnerable populations.”

“The Public Policy Fellowship Program has been instrumental in providing real world experience for our fellow at the Department of Public Safety and Justice Services,” said Cynthia Mason, Program Officer. “The research and analysis conducted by our fellow has given our department a much better perspective on how to approach funding for our Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention program, and we look forward to the final presentation. The information gathered by Dalton has been invaluable. The fellowship program is well worth the investment to our department as well as to the fellows who are seeking a future in public service.”

In addition to department placements, scheduled enrichment activities provide fellows with an opportunity to make professional connections with senior staff and introduce fellows to the diverse work of County government. This year’s enrichment activities offered fellows a glimpse into the County’s efforts to end chronic homelessness, ensure every child is ready for school on the first day of kindergarten, and grow renewable energy production through tours of a HOUSINGfirst location, Universal Pre-Kindergarten site, and the Brooklyn landfill solar farm. Fellows will also be hosted by the Cuyahoga County Public Library to learn about one of County’s key partners in program and service delivery.

“Programs like the Cuyahoga County Public Policy Fellowship are crucial in our work to attract the next generation of leaders to local government and inject our organization with bold ideas and fresh perspectives,” said Becky Eby, Innovation Manager, who manages the program out of the Cuyahoga County Office of Innovation and Performance. “Through our program we provide fellows with real-world experience and a behind-the-scenes look into what local government has to offer as a career.”

For more information about this year’s fellows and the Cuyahoga County Public Policy Fellowship program, please visit our website.