From AMSA to Advocacy: How My Charter Public School Led to a Career in Public Policy
April 25, 2025 | Madelyn Bedard, AMSA Alum
When I think back on my seven years at AMSA (Advanced Math and Science Academy), I realize how deeply my charter public school influenced both my academic path and my current professional and volunteer roles.
I’ve always loved science, and my parents recognized that AMSA, a school focused on advanced academics and preparing students for the ever-evolving and science-focused workforce, would be a wonderful opportunity for me. Thankfully, my name was drawn through the application lottery, and I started at AMSA the next fall. I’ve never experienced more passionate teachers truly focused on bettering the lives of every student and meeting our lust for knowledge. In high school, I capitalized on all of the research opportunities available to us. I was one of the first students to use a standing electron microscope in Massachusetts!
After graduating from AMSA, I enrolled at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. I found that the rigor and excellence I’d experienced in high school provided me with such a strong foundation for college. At GW, I studied public health and worked at the Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness under William Dietz. I discovered I loved policy advocacy – finding creative solutions to problems and working to implement them.
I completed my college degree in three years and returned to MA to work for a behavioral psych unit in the emergency room. The work was both heartbreaking and rewarding, but I came to realize that direct clinical work wasn’t where I saw myself long-term. I wanted to continue helping people — just in a different way. So when an opportunity came up to serve as a Legislative Aide in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, I took it without hesitation. Now after eighteen months as Legislative Aide, I’m amazed by how much I draw upon the scientific reasoning skills I honed at AMSA for policy-making. My science background helps me to interpret data correctly and determine what to advocate for, ensure flawless, data-driven arguments, and think critically about policy implementation.
Outside of my professional career, I serve as AMSA’s alumni president and remain deeply connected with students, teachers, and faculty. I partner closely with five other AMSA alums (also doing awesome things in their own personal and professional lives!) to build a support and networking system for our community. I’ve been in the role a little over a year, and we’ve been able to establish by-laws, a full board, and establish regular communications, fundraise, and host events. I wish I’d had this resource when I first graduated and am proud to help provide such a vital support system to both students and alumni.
