APAICS 2021-2022 Congressional Fellowship
Program Overview
The APAICS Congressional Fellowship is designed for young AAPI professionals looking to increase their experience in public policy and service. The full-time, paid, 9-month program, places fellows in congressional offices to gain policy experience serving as part of the legislative team. The program provides fellows with opportunities to build their leadership skills, encourages political engagement, and fosters interest in a public service career.
2021-2022 Fellowship Program Dates: September 7, 2021 - June 4, 2022
Application Deadline: January 31, 2021 at 11:59 PM EST
Website: For more information and FAQ, see our website.
Application Link: Apply via our online form here.
If you’re interested in learning more, we will be hosting an information session over Zoom in the coming weeks:
Mon Dec 7 @5pm EST Info Session for Congressional Fellowship
2021-2022 Fellowship Tracks
APAICS Fellows are placed across House and Senate offices, committees, and leadership offices. General Congressional Fellows work on a variety of policy issues depending on their interest, expertise, and the placement office's needs. Issue area-specific tracks are designed for applicants with interest/experience in the policy area. Applicants for an issue-specific track will also be considered for any general congressional fellowship opening as well. Previous issue area-specific fellowship tracks include general legislative fellows, education fellows, STEM fellows, and financial services fellows.
The 2021-2022 issue area tracks currently include:
1) General Congressional Fellowship: For applicants wishing to gain work congressional work experience on a range of legislative issues. General congressional fellows work with their placement offices to establish a legislative issue portfolio responsive to the applicant's interest/experience and the office's needs.
2) Comcast Tech & Telecom Fellowship: For applicants with a specific interest in pursuing tech and telecom policy while in Congress and in their future pursuits. The Tech & Telecom Fellow's responsibilities may include other legislative issue areas and is not solely restricted to this issue-area track. We encourage any applicant with experience or an interest in increasing their experience in tech & telecom issues to apply for this track
Specific tracks beyond general congressional fellowship (i.e. Tech & Telecom Fellowship) will require an additional short essay response during the application process.
Program Benefits
- Professional work experience in Washington, DC
- A grant of $27,000 for the duration of the nine-month Fellowship (equivalent to a $36,000 annual salary)
- Domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, D.C.
- Professional Development Funds
- Health insurance reimbursement up to $200 a month
- Professional development program, networking, access to APAICS alumni network, and more
Program Requirements
- Work 40 hours a week at placement site
- Attend a one-day orientation
- Participate in all APAICS-sponsored activities
- Develop and execute a policy briefing to promote public policy issues of importance to AAPIs
- Complete quarterly reports
- Submit a mid-program and end of program evaluation
- Comply with APAICS policies regarding work performance and personal conduct
Eligibility Requirements
- Have completed their undergraduate or graduate degree and/or have at least five years of public service experience prior to the program start date.
- Be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals who are legally authorized to work full-time without restriction for any U.S. employer and who possess lawful evidence of employment authorization. (Individuals who are seeking consideration under the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” (DACA) policy must possess an Employment Authorization Document at the time of application that is valid throughout the program.)
- Family members of the APAICS Board of Directors or National Advisory Council are prohibited from participating in any APAICS programs.
Application Guidelines
Required Documents: the following items are required as part of the application. No exceptions will be made for incomplete applications after the deadline.
- Resume
- Essay Responses
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Academic Transcript(s) (official or unofficial, if applicable)
Selection Process
The APAICS Congressional Fellowship Program is a highly competitive program. Applications are reviewed in a multi-step process by a Selection Committee that includes program alumni, staff, and board members.
- Round 1 - Application review: Applications are reviewed individually and scored by the Selection Committee. Applications are scored based on evidence of leadership and leadership potential, including community involvement, commitment to public service, clarity of writing, and ability to challenge self.
- Round 2 - Interview: Top candidates receive an invitation to interview with members of the Selection Committee. Interviews are scored based on leadership qualities and experience, professionalism, commitment to public service, and future plans and aspirations.
- Round 3 - Finalist Interviews: Top candidates following Round 2 will be designated as finalists by the selection committee. Finalist application packages are forwarded to congressional office partners for interviews and placement.