The Legislative Fellows Program's Selection Committee is proud to announce the 40th class of Legislative Fellows. During a six-month placement with the Delaware General Assembly, the Fellows have a front-row seat to observe the political decision-making process and contribute their research and writing skills to assist legislators in addressing critical public policy issues facing the state.

Of the 15 students selected as 2021 Legislative Fellows, 12 are representing the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration.  Please find below the students who were selected and their placements:

Senate Majority Caucus

• Abigail Armstrong—Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) student specializing in Public Policy Analysis
• William Lescas—M.P.A. student

Senate Minority Caucus

• Drew Higgins—Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) student majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Global Politics and minoring in International Business and Environmental and Energy Policy​

House Majority Caucus

• Chelsea Chatterton—Honors Bachelor of Science (B.S.) student majoring in Exercise Science and minoring in Public Health and Strength and Conditioning
• Valeria Coverdale—B.A. student majoring in Political Science and Public Policy and minoring in Legal Studies and Latin and Iberian Studies
• Val Gould—Master of Energy and Environmental Policy (M.E.E.P) student
• Chelsea Jones—B.A. student majoring in Political Science and Communications
• A'lece Moore—M.E.E.P. student specializing in Environmental Justice
• Myra Ray-Howett—M.P.A. student specializing in Public Policy Analysis
• Alex Southerst—M.P.A. student specializing in Public Policy Analysis

House Minority Caucus

• ​Justyn Cox—M.P.A. student specializing in Public Policy Analysis
• John Drummond—Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) student

Division of Research

• ​​Elliot Gray—M.P.P. student
• Hafsah Mansoori—B.A. student majoring in Public Policy and minoring in Public Health, and Disability Studies

Office of the Controller General

• ​Cara Gan​non—M.P.A. student

​​About the Legislative Fellow​​s Program

Begun as a partnership between the University of Delaware and the Delaware General Assembly in 1982, the Legislative Fellows Program is now sponsored in cooperation with Delaware State University and Wesley College. The program began with placements in the House of Representatives and Senate and expanded in 2014 to include the Division of Research. The program expanded again this year to include a placement with the Office of the Controller General. The Institute for Public Administration's Lisa Moreland Allred (MPA '98) manages the program.

Our 15 Legislative Fellows commenced their research remotely on January 12, 2021. During their tenure, the Fellows will be assisting legislators to respond to constituent concerns, conducting nonpartisan research on cutting-edge public policy issues, and staffing committees. Staffing committees is a task that, in larger states, is conducted by full-time employees. Our Legislative Fellows count themselves lucky to be given such a prestigious and challenging responsibility.

Profiles of the selected students can be found on the 2021 Legislative Fellows page. Students interested in applying to become 2022 Legislative Fellows should contact Program Manager Lisa Moreland Allred.

About the Institute for Public Administration

The University of Delaware's Institute for Public Administration (IPA) addresses the policy, planning, and management needs of its partners through the integration of applied research, professional development, and the education of tomorrow's leaders. Dr. Jerome Lewis is the director of IPA.