Research and Innovation Fellowships Quarterly Three Report (FY 2016)

The program aims to support students in conducting research and innovation projects in global development. The program is led by the Global Development Lab and is supported by the University of California President's Office and Chevron Corporation. The program has a strong focus on student development and support, with a comprehensive pre-departure training program that includes coursework, peer feedback, and mentorship. The program also provides students with a stipend to support their research and innovation projects. In the third quarter of FY 2016, the program saw significant milestones and achievements. All 19 fellows successfully completed their pre-departure coursework and assignments, and fellowship disbursements were completed, although some adjustments were necessary due to university financial aid procedures. All but one fellow departed for their assignments and reported safe arrivals. The program also implemented a new "check-in" call system, which began in mid-June and will be completed by early July. These 30-45 minute calls are intended to ensure that fellows have been able to begin their assignments, that the planned logistic support is in place, and to provide support and advice in working through inevitable changes in scopes of work. The program has also established a strong partnership with the Chevron Corporation, which has provided non-restricted funding for four of this year's GDF fellows. This support is significant, as it is not tied to either citizenship status or sector, unlike the USAID funding. The program has also had interactions with the new RI-Fellowship team, which has been proactive in dialogue and communication and has offered support. The program has also attempted to reengage with USAID field missions and to connect those interested with fellows. In terms of monitoring and evaluation, the program has delayed the planned feedback survey of the pre-departure program until after the students return. The program has also identified several lessons learned and best practices, including minimizing the disconnect between student and host expectations, student flexibility and resourcefulness, and the importance of clear communication and support. These lessons learned have been further validated during the last session of the training program and are repeated here with additional comments in italics. The program has also received support from the University of California President's Office and Chevron Corporation, which has enabled the program to continue and expand its activities. The program is grateful for this support and looks forward to continuing its work in global development.