Social Action Lab
Public Policy Fellowship
The Teen Think Tank Project’s Social Action Lab Fellowship is a transformative public policy and advocacy program designed for high-potential teens committed to driving meaningful social change. This fellowship equips participants with leadership, advocacy, and pragmatic activism skills while providing hands-on experience in public policy, nonprofit advocacy, and community engagement. Fellows will:
- Develop Leadership and Advocacy Skills – Engage in advanced leadership training and policy advocacy to drive impactful change within their communities.
- Foster Pragmatic Mindsets – Learn results-driven approaches to activism that emphasize practical solutions, stakeholder engagement, and measurable outcomes.
- Support Nonprofit Work – Partner with nonprofit organizations to enhance their advocacy strategies, policy initiatives, and community outreach.
- Create Sustainable Impact – Cultivate the next generation of policy-driven changemakers who can implement long-term solutions to social challenges.
What is a fellowship?
A fellowship is a structured, competitive program that provides students, researchers, or professionals with opportunities for learning, skill development, and professional growth. The Social Action Lab Fellowship focuses on the following:
- Research & Policy Exploration– The program heavily emphasizes policy exploration, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy.
- Structured Learning Environment – Participants undergo formal training in policy analysis, civic action, and pragmatic activism.
- Hands-On Policy Implementation – Students actively work with a nonprofit to implement policy-driven projects, mirroring the work of policy fellows in governmental and nonprofit settings.
- Substantial Academic Exposure – At 200 hours over 18 months, the duration and intensity of this program provides long-term academic and professional benefits to high school students.
Fellowships open doors!
Participating in this fellowship can be incredibly beneficial for high school students, both academically and personally. Benefits include:
- Skill Development –Structured learning experiences that help students develop critical thinking, leadership, research, and communication skills.
- College and Career Readiness –Universities view fellowships as a sign of initiative, commitment, and intellectual curiosity.
- Networking Opportunities. – Connecting with professionals, experts, and peers who share similar interests.
- Opportunities for Community Impact – Involvement in service projects that address real-world issues, allowing students to make a tangible difference in their communities.
The program is open to students in the Classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028. While the program is a merit-based, we encourage passionate students to apply regardless of their GPA. Students of all academic achievement will be considered. Enrollment is limited, so apply today.
Does This Sound Like You?
- Hands-on Policy Training → A strong desire to explore and develop actionable policy solutions and advocacy strategies for your community and government.
- Leadership in Advocacy → An interest in engaging with thought leaders, policymakers, and community advocates to benefit your personal, professional, and academic development.
- Community Impact → A wish to drive policy changes addressing issues within your community.
How Does it Work?
The 2025-2026 Social Action Lab Fellowship consists of three structured phases from July 2025 to December 2026, each designed to progressively build expertise and provide hands-on experience.
Phase 1: Change Agent Research Cohort
Dates: July 7 – August 28, 2025
Commitment: 60 total hours
Format: Hybrid (in-person, virtual, and asynchronous)
Objective: Build foundational knowledge in policy research, leadership, and advocacy.
Key Learning Areas:
- Value-based leadership & public speaking
- Team-building & problem-solving
- Policy framework creation
- Academic research & issue exploration
- Professional networking with policy experts
Schedule*:
- In-person workshops at Brookdale Community College Tuesdays (5:30 PM – 8:30 PM)
- Virtual research discussions Thursdays (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
- Self-guided research & project development
Phase 2: Pragmatic Activism Bootcamp
Dates: September 27 – December 16, 2025
Commitment: 24 total hours
Format: In-person
Objective: Train fellows in strategic activism, stakeholder engagement, and policy navigation to prepare for real-world advocacy work.
Key Learning Areas:
- Understanding government & civic action
- Advocacy strategy & grassroots mobilization
- Timing & opportunity in policy influence
- Public engagement & coalition building
Schedule*:
- Mandatory in-person workshops on the following Saturdays (9/27, 10/11, 11/1, 11/15, 12/6)
- Self-guided research & policy exploration
Phase 3: Capstone & Community Impact
Duration: January – December 2026
Commitment: 115 hours
Format: Hybrid (in-person, virtual, and asynchronous)
Objective: Fellows apply their training by working directly with Monmouth Housing Coalition to implement policy initiatives, advocacy campaigns, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Key Learning Areas:
- Issue identification & policy research
- Developing an advocacy strategy
- Public engagement & community organizing
- Impact assessment & sustainability planning
Schedule*:
- Monthly in-person meetings (2nd Saturday of each month)
- Virtual discussions with research coordinators
- Self-guided advocacy projects including policy proposals, community outreach, and nonprofit capacity-buildin
*All schedules are tenative and subject to change
What to Expect as a Social Action Lab Fellow?
The Teen Think Tank Project (TTTP) has a strong history of working with high-potential, academically gifted teens, providing them with unique opportunities to develop critical thinking, research, and leadership skills. When joining the Social Action Lab, participants can expect the following:
Selective Admission Standards
By upholding a rigorous selection process, admitting only those students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a strong commitment to research-driven social change, the TTTP fosters an environment where all students can succeed.
Peer-Driven Excellence – By selecting only highly motivated students, TTTP ensures that participants are surrounded by like-minded peers who challenge and inspire one another, fostering a culture of academic rigor and innovation.
High Standards, High Achievement – A selective admissions process guarantees that all participants are prepared to meet TTTP’s demanding expectations, creating an environment where students can fully engage in advanced research and leadership development without barriers caused by varying levels of commitment.
Maximized Impact & Meaningful Collaboration – Admitting only students with a strong dedication to research-driven social change allows TTTP cohorts to focus on producing high-quality, actionable solutions to real-world issues, ensuring that all members contribute meaningfully to the collective success of the program.
A Portfolio of Socially Impactful Work
TTTP’s research initiatives are diverse, covering a broad range of socially impactful topics. The organization’s portfolio of research includes:
Mental Health Accessibility & Policy Failures – Cohorts have investigated the financial, social, and legal barriers that prevent millions of Americans from accessing adequate mental health care.
Education Reform & College Accessibility – TTTP research has examined the effectiveness of college admissions policies, affirmative action, and financial aid accessibility.
Economic & Social Inequality – Cohorts have explored the structural barriers contributing to income inequality, financial literacy gaps, and workforce discrimination.
Civic Engagement & Youth Leadership – TTTP emphasizes youth-driven advocacy, exploring how young people can influence policy change.
Success in High School and Beyond
By fostering a culture of academic rigor, innovation, and social responsibility, the Teen Think Tank Project continues to serve as a launching pad for gifted teens who aspire to make meaningful contributions to society and succeed at the highest levels of academia.
Rigorous Research & Intellectual Development – Participants engage in high-level research, policy analysis, and collaborative problem-solving, mirroring the rigor of college-level work.
Academic Excellence & Selectivity – TTTP attracts students who excel academically, maintaining high GPAs, strong standardized test scores, and exceptional work ethic.
Success in College Admissions – Through their work in TTTP, students develop college-level research, writing, and critical thinking skills, making them highly competitive applicants.
Who Should Apply?
This fellowship is ideal for high school students in Monmouth and Ocean Counties (NJ) who are:
- Interested in law, policy, advocacy, and social change
- Passionate about making a real impact in their communities.
- Excited to collaborate with experts, mentors, and like-minded peers
- Ready to commit to a challenging, yet rewarding 18-month program
Why the SAL Fellowship
The Social Action Lab provides fellows with the opportunity to:
- Gain real-world experience in public policy, research, and advocacy
- Work alongside industry professionals and nonprofit leaders
- Develop a strong portfolio to enhance college applications and career opportunities
- Engage in meaningful, hands-on projects that create sustainable community impact
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the time commitment for the fellowship?
The fellowship spans 18 months, with a total of 200 hours, broken into three structured phases. The format is hybrid, allowing flexibility for students while providing hands-on learning experiences. - Is this fellowship only for students in New Jersey?
Yes, the 2025-2026 fellowship is exclusively for high school students in Monmouth and Ocean Counties (NJ). Future cohorts may expand to additional locations. - Can I earn community service credit for this project?
- What kind of projects will fellows work on?
Fellows will engage in policy research, stakeholder engagement, and community-based advocacy projects, collaborating with nonprofit organizations to develop actionable solutions to pressing social issues. - Is there a cost to participate?
No. The Teen Think Tank Project Fellowship is completely free for accepted students. - How can educators and community leaders get involved?
We welcome partnerships with educators, nonprofits, and community organizations who want to support or collaborate with our fellows. If you’re interested in mentoring or hosting a student project, please reach out!
Do You Have What it Takes?
Current UCLA student, Pranav Potrevu (’27) talks about his experiences as part of the Teen Think Tank Project.
Jayda Hendrickson, Spelman College (’26), talks about the impact TTTP had on her professional development.
Tomas Rivera, Brown (’27), discusses the Teen Think Tank Project’s role in helping him develop a professional network.
Fiona Shanahan, UCLA (’27) talks about her motivation to join the Teen Think Tank Project.
Leah Desai, Rutgers (’28), highlights her experience being part of a team conducting academic research.
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