Bridges Policy Fellow
Application Deadline – June 1st, 2026
Bridges Policy Fellow Description
Are you a pro-union student interested in using your writing skills and legislative knowledge to further the fight for public education in Texas? At Texas AFT, we believe everyone deserves a quality education. This is only possible with dedicated and empowered public school teachers. Texas AFT is looking to help train the next generation of labor & education policy activists through our legislative fellowship program.
All fellows are expected to work an average of 20 hours a week. Your class schedule MUST allow you to work 20 hours during weekdays during the hours of 8 to 6. Occasional evenings and weekends will be required. You will receive the same paid holidays as Texas AFT employees, including 10 days at Christmas.
This position may work or be assigned to work with endorsed candidates during the election period.
Duties and Responsibilities
Fellows will be asked to perform a variety of tasks:
Support in election campaigns for current candidates
Compile research for projects focusing on Education policy and the State Legislature
Attend seminars, meetings, and training sessions both virtually and in-person, acting as a representative of Texas AFT and providing detailed reports on the contents of those meetings
Compose thoughtfully written articles, summaries, and legislative briefings which will be distributed internally as well as externally on our website and in our weekly newsletter
Adhere to a predetermined schedule, being on-call to be brought into any new project as is needed, but also being flexible to occasionally work outside the bounds of your schedule as is necessary
Attend weekly meetings and participate in union events
Requirements
A current undergraduate student
A proficient and efficient writer
An analytical reader
Have proficient understanding of Texas politics and election processes
Able to take constructive criticism from our team of experienced legislative staffers
Well-organized, attentive to details, able to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, and able to complete projects under time constraints
Self-motivated and adaptable, able to work both independently and as part of a team
Able to communicate with, understand and anticipate the diverse concerns of people of varied economic, racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds and identities.
Ready to fight for the higher wages, better working conditions, and more suitable retirement plans that Texas educators deserve
Committed to the labor movement and building union power in Texas
Benefits
$1,500 monthly stipend
Please send resume, writing samples (of 500 words or less), and any questions to Sierra Wiggers at swiggers@texasaft.org
Bilingual applicants and those with teaching experience are strongly encouraged to apply.