Students selected to attend the AACN Student Policy Summit obtain support through three components of their program: 1) a pre-conference orientation with Dr. Crowder and the Dean of the IU School of Nursing, 2) attending the AACN Summit, and 3) joining the Eagles Health Policy and Advocacy Program for extended mentoring.

This series of four roundtables is offered annually. Guest speakers and audience dialogue about some of the most important state and national health policy issues.

This fellowship was developed in collaboration with Indiana University Government Relations and Representative Ed Clere, Indiana General Assembly. The semester-long fellowship includes participation in the full session of the Indiana General Assembly (approximately 12–16 weeks) with additional activities throughout the semester. During the legislative session, fellows participate in House and Senate sessions, committee hearings, background research for bills, bill analysis, stakeholder meetings, and debriefings. Fellows are mentored by Representative Clere and Dr. Crowder.

During this experiential learning opportunity students focus on state/federal legislation, regulations, and advocacy related to specialties such as telehealth, maternal health, rural health, and mental health. Policy analyses, debriefings, and collaborations with stakeholder organizations and mentorship foster health policy and advocacy roles for the fellows. Fellowship is facilitated by Dr. Crowder.

This program is designed to foster the development of IU School of Nursing students for future roles in health policy and advocacy on local, state, and/or national levels. Students participate in varied health policy and advocacy experiential learning opportunities while at the IU School of Nursing. This long-term mentoring program is based on an authentic, professional relationship established while the students are in the academic environment, and it is maintained post-graduation. Eagles live in states throughout the country, serve in a variety of health policy and advocacy roles, and have received local, state, and national honors. The primary program mentor is Dr. Crowder; engagement with other career mentors is facilitated through the program.

Launched as a pilot research project, this program was established to engage nurses of color at various stages of their careers and prepare them for future positions in health policy and advocacy. The foundation of the program was underrepresentation of nurses of color among registered nurses and having even fewer nurses of color involved in health policy and advocacy roles. Participants are prepared for their roles through guest speakers, cohort discussions, and mentorship. This program continues with the establishment of long-term mentoring for participants.

This program enhances Indiana University School of Nursing faculty’s engagement in health policy and advocacy through core activities and mentoring. Program participants have opportunities to prepare for involvement in policy and/or advocacy engagement in areas related to their teaching, practice, or research. The program fosters the roles of faculty in health policy and advocacy through exposure to IU School of Nursing-led health policy projects, programs, a modified legislative experience, and 1:1 mentoring.