Aspen Policy Academy

The Academy is committed to diversifying the policy space, empowering people of all backgrounds to impact policy within their areas of expertise. We pursue this goal in our recruitment and selection of candidates for both our programs and internal roles. Some of the actions we take include:

• Inclusive Recruitment Practices: The Academy posts recruitment and hiring opportunities on a broad array of platforms and in locations where a wide range of candidates can access them. We secure a diverse pool of applicants for every open program and position before moving to selection.
• Combating Self-Doubt: The Academy encourages candidates to apply for programs and positions that align with their career interests and skill set, even if they are not sure whether they meet all of the qualifications.
• More than a Resume: The Academy considers candidates based on more than just their resume. We read each candidate’s cover letter before viewing their resume, and we do not consider candidates who do not submit a cover letter.
• Equal Interaction with Candidates: The Academy does not take informational interviews for its programs or job openings. All candidate interactions with the team are part of our formal interview process, which comprehensively assesses each candidate’s qualifications.
• Uniform Approach to Evaluating Materials: The Academy evaluates candidates using standardized assessments, tailored to each program and position. Unique identifiers like names and organization affiliations are removed from assessment materials to decrease bias.
• Formalized Recommendation Process: Third-party candidate recommendations are considered only at the final stage of the application process after all internal evaluations are completed. This ensures that candidates without direct connections to the Academy have the same opportunity to secure a fellowship or job as those who do.