Watertown Native Serves as 2015 Wheelock College Policy Fellow

Ryan Renzella is a graduate student in the Master of Social Work and Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership dual degree program at Wheelock College, and this semester he is one of nine students in the Student Policy Fellows Program working at the Massachusetts State House. Renzella has been placed in the office of State Representative Marc Lomabardo (R–Billerica).

As a Student Policy Fellow, Renzella works on several interesting issues that affect every Massachusetts resident on a daily basis. He is passionate about effecting policy change regarding college funding for Massachusetts students; a specific focus of his work is the MASSGrant program that provides need-based financial assistance to undergraduate students who reside in Massachusetts and who are enrolled pursuing an approved program of higher education. Massachusetts’ MASSGrant program ranks in the bottom five in the country in terms of grants given to residents for a college education, which is a stark contrast to the State’s reputation for being a beacon of higher learning. “A small investment in our future would yield an excellent return on investment, with studies showing that 90% of students who graduate from an institution in Massachusetts end up calling it home,” said Renzella.

Renzella’s experience at the State House has helped him to shape his career goals. “After graduating, I would like to advocate for bills and social policy formation for people who do not have their voices heard,” he said. “ These people include those with low incomes, working class people who cannot get to the polling booth, or those unable to vote.” Renzella has previous experience working as a case manager for a health clinic in Roxbury.

The Policy Fellows program ties directly into Wheelock’s mission to improve the lives of children and families. A life-changing experience, the program helps Wheelock students gain the knowledge and skills they need to become effective leaders and advocates who will enact positive, systemic change. Wheelock’s Policy Fellows work side-by-side with legislative aides, Senators, and Representatives to research bills, attend hearings and policy meetings, and provide constituent support. The placements allow students to experience first-hand how laws are enacted on behalf of the citizenry, combined with a bi-weekly seminar, the experience gives students a broad understanding of the social and political issues affecting their chosen careers. In addition, the experience on Beacon Hill exposes the students to networking leadership opportunities as well as many other issues they might not have considered. The Wheelock Student Policy Fellows program, now in its tenth year, has served 66 students.