Rongzhen Zhou was with us as an undergraduate fellow from Northwestern University from September to December 2019.

What project work were you involved in during your time at Civic Consulting Alliance?

I worked with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office (SAO) to redefine how they handle low-level possession and substance use cases, with the goal of increasing access to treatment and redirecting office resources towards prosecuting violent crime.

What will you take away from your time at Civic Consulting Alliance?

I now appreciate the complexity and challenge of public sector work. I admire Civic Consulting Alliance’s ability to collaborate with such a range of government agencies and stakeholders.

What was your most memorable experience during your time at Civic Consulting Alliance?

I attended an inspiring Addiction Convening hosted by the SAO, where I learned about innovative approaches other jurisdictions have taken to address low-level possession and substance use cases, and about how gaps in the criminal justice system affect people with substance use disorders.

How has your time at Civic Consulting Alliance helped you develop professionally?

I have a better understanding of the consulting field, and also learned about the legal field through my work with the SAO—knowledge that will help me consider my career options.

In partnership with Northwestern University, we provide a semester-long Undergraduate Fellowship. We periodically work with other undergraduate institutions on shorter internship opportunities. Please visit our Fellowships page to learn more about our range of fellowship opportunities.