The John A. Hartford Foundation, based in New York City, is a private, nonpartisan, national philanthropy dedicated to improving the care of older adults. The leader in the field of aging and health, the Foundation has three areas of emphasis: creating age-friendly health systems, supporting family caregivers, and improving serious illness and end-of-life care.
The John A. Hartford Foundation provides leadership support and partnership to the Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program.
The West Health Policy Center works to lower healthcare costs and enable seniors to successfully age in place with access to high-quality, affordable health and support services that preserve and protect their dignity, quality of life and independence.
West Health provides support for the program’s alumni network and Behavioral Health Policy track.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation began operations in 2015 to continue his legacy — one of generosity and innovation, healthy risk-taking and collaboration, and an unshakable community focus. Today, his hand-picked Life Trustees have determined to focus the efforts of the foundation on Mr. Wilson’s home and adopted home regions of Southeast Michigan and Western New York.
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation provides support for the program’s Caregiver Policy track.
The Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program has worked in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) since 2013 to support one or more fellows within the VA. The “VA track” is a non-residential fellowship track that allows Fellows to remain based at their local VA institution while working on policy projects that may involve brief placement(s) throughout the year at relevant sites.
VA Fellows will be selected by Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program through a national competition based on the applicant’s commitment to health and aging issues, leadership potential, and interest in impacting policy.
A paid VA appointment is required prior to starting The Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program as a VA Fellow, but it is not required at the time of application. Part-time VA appointments are acceptable to meet eligibility criteria. Applicants may be VA staff or trainees (e.g. Advanced Fellows).
VA trainees/employees who are interested in applying to The Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program should contact Laurence Solberg, MD (National Program Director, VA Track in the Health and Aging Policy Fellowship Program, Geriatrics and Extended Care, Veterans Administration Central Office) at [email protected] to review eligibility and initiate the nomination process.
The Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program is delighted to partner with the APSA Congressional Fellowship Program, a highly selective non-partisan program in the nation’s Capitol. Founded in 1953, the APSA Congressional Fellowship Program is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious congressional fellowship. More than fifty years later, the program remains devoted to its original objective of expanding knowledge and awareness of Congress throughout the United States and worldwide.
Health and Aging Policy Fellows (both residential and non-residential) participate in APSA Congressional Fellowship Program activities (see CORE Program and Components). Residential fellows are assisted by APSA Congressional Fellowship Program staff, in cooperation with the Health and Aging Policy Fellows National Program Office, with finding placements. Fellows secure their own jobs as legislative assistants in Congress by contacting member offices directly. This process takes place during the APSA orientation in November.
We have a strong partnership with GSA whose staff has been providing assistance with marketing and developing the Aging Policy Orientation program as well as weekend workshops (see Core Program Components). In addition, GSA has provided forums to showcase our fellows and provided committed, meaningful mentoring for our fellows.
ASA has been a strong and long-standing partner providing assistance with marketing and placements for future fellows. In addition, ASA has provided forums to showcase our fellows and provided committed, meaningful mentoring for our fellows.
AGS has been a strong and long-standing partner providing assistance with marketing and placements for future fellows. In addition, AGS provided forums to showcase our fellows and provided committed, meaningful mentoring for our fellows.
AARP has been among our long-standing partners assisting individual fellows in establishing linkages as well as developing mechanisms for potential placement of future fellows. In addition, AARP provided in-kind support through assistance with marketing and developing the Aging Policy Orientation program and weekend workshops, as well as providing office space and committed, meaningful mentoring for our fellows.
The National Program Office (NPO) is based at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, in New York City.
National Program Office
[email protected]
+1 646 774 8495
© 2026 Health and Aging Policy Fellows Program | Admin Login
