$10,948 raised by 60 donors
100% complete
$10,000 Goal
Science and technology play a vital role in sustaining California's economy, society, and environment. Many critical issues facing California today - public health, transportation, infrastructure, water, energy, tech innovation, and STEM education programs - are deeply rooted in science. California state legislators are asked to make decisions on these policy areas every day, yet few of them have access to science experts and timely information to help inform decisions in real time.
To help bridge this science-policy gap, the California State Legislature established The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST). CCST is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization established via the California State Legislature to provide California leaders with objective analysis and advice on policy issues that involve science and technology. CCST has nearly 40 years of experience serving as a trusted resource and network of expertise to governors, legislators, and state entities.
Our CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellowship is a renowned state program that bridges this science/policy gap. We place fifteen PhD scientists and engineers each year to serve as staff in the California State Legislature and Executive Branch. Lawmakers gain direct access to science-savvy advisers - who apply the lens of scientific thinking when analyzing public policy, not just science. At the same time, our CCST Science Fellows receive a matchless introduction to the world of policy, learning directly from legislators, Governor and Cabinet offices, agencies and advocates.
Our Fellows experience a year of public service and leadership training, and the chance to explore a career in California's policy arena. At the same time, the State benefits from access to highly skilled, science-savvy staff to advise them on policy.
Fellows represent an innovative way of strengthening California's government in service to Californians and secure our national leadership position for science informing policy. With PhDs in neuroscience, soil science, marine ecology, organic chemistry, environmental engineering, and molecular biology - just to name a few - our fellows and alumni bring their scientific intuition and analytical experience to the policy arena.
CCST’s mission is to engage leading experts in science and technology to advise State policymakers - ensuring that California policy is strengthened and informed by scientific knowledge, research, and innovation.
California’s most urgent challenges—wildfires, drought, public health threats, and the rapid pace of technological change—demand policy that is timely, informed, and grounded in science. As these challenges grow more complex, state leaders are turning to CCST with increasing frequency for trusted, nonpartisan guidance.
Your support helps power four critical initiatives:
Disaster Resilience Initiative: By providing policymakers with independent advice through expert briefings and scientific analysis on climate, energy, and risk preparedness, this initiative helps ensure California is ready to respond and adapt.
Science & Technology Policy Fellowship: Now in its 16th year, the fellowship program trains and places PhD scientists and engineers directly into state government, embedding technical expertise into high-stakes policy conversations that affect millions of Californians.
Fellowship Alumni Network: With more than 170 alumni across the state, this growing network extends the impact of science-informed decision making long after the fellowship year ends.
Irwin Jacobs & Family AI Policy Initiative: Launched with seed funding from the Jacobs Family Fund, this initiative equips state leaders with clear, science-informed insights to guide responsible and equitable AI policy.
Your investment enables CCST to meet growing demand, respond swiftly to urgent needs, and keep science at the forefront of California’s policy decisions—now and for the future.
Organization name
California Council on Science & Technology
other names
CCST
1988
Tax id (EIN)
94-3093624
Mission Category
Environment
Operating Budget
$1,000,001-$5 million
Organization Need
Funding: Program, Funding: Unrestricted, In-Kind Donations, Board Members
Demographics Served
General population
Local Counties Served
Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, El Dorado
Address
1017 L St. #438CA, US