What is the time commitment required to participate in the HGA Program?

This is a 10-month program that will begin in October 2026 and conclude in July 2027. Activities are virtual unless otherwise noted. In addition to the activities described below, HGA Fellows will need to dedicate 1-2 hours each month to email correspondence and be prepared to participate in other ad-hoc or networking activities as needed.

The minimum time and participant commitment entails:

• Attending (or watching recordings) for all science policy and advocacy trainings 
• In-person participation in the Science Policy Symposium (October 27, 2026) and Capitol Hill Day (March/April 2027 TBD); and
• Participation in at least 75% of the monthly video conferences / virtual meetings (November 2026 – July 2027).

The Howard Garrison Advocacy Program Selection and Oversight Committee will have the ability to approve exceptions to the time commitment on a case-by-case basis.

What is the program schedule for 2026/2027 program?

• October 2026: 
  • Full day on 10/27 (9:00 am – 4:30 pm eastern) for in-person participation in FASEB’s 2026 Science Policy Symposium, plus travel time to Rockville, MD.
     
• November 2026 through July 2027: 2 hours each month for advocacy, communication, and professional skills training, plus personal time to review materials.
   
• March/April 2027: Full day (TBD) to participate in FASEB’s 2027 FASEB Capitol Hill Day in Washington, DC, plus travel time.
   
• TBD monthly video conference/virtual meeting (November 2026 – July 2027) plus personal time required to review materials (will vary)