Overview

 

APAICS 2024-2025 Congressional Fellows Receive:

• Professional work experience in Washington, DC

• Benefits:

  • A grant of $27,900 distributed monthly throughout the duration of the nine-month Fellowship (equivalent to a $37,200 annual salary)

  • Health insurance reimbursement of $200 per month

  • Domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of the Fellowship

    • Transportation includes the option of one round-trip economy class plane ticket, one round-trip economy class train ticket, or gas reimbursement. 

  • Professional development funds.

• Professional development programs, networking, and access to the APAICS alumni network

 

Program Requirements

• Work 40 hours a week at the placement site

• Attend a one-day orientation 

• Attend the APAICS Annual Awards Gala in May 2025

• Participate in APAICS-sponsored professional development events

• Complete quarterly reports

• Submit a mid-program and end of program evaluation

• Comply with APAICS policies regarding work performance and personal conduct

• Develop and execute a policy briefing to promote public policy issues of importance to AA & NH/PIs

 

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.

  • ​Note: Select congressional host offices require candidates to have a graduate degree. We encourage applicants who will have completed a master’s degree or J.D. by September 2024 to apply. However, you do not need to have a graduate degree to be considered for other Congressional host offices.

• 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. 

  • Note: 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

• Cover Letter

• Essay Responses (each response should be no longer than 500 words)

  • ​Why do you want to pursue a career in public service?

  • Please describe one instance in your life that best exemplifies your leadership. The experience can be professional, academic, political, or personal.

  • Draft a memo to your congressional member (e.g. your senator or representative of choice) discussing a policy issue of critical importance to AA & NH/PI communities. Explain why your representative should prioritize/act on this issue and why it is an issue of importance for AA & NH/PI communities OR write a letter to a chosen member of congress advocating in support of a specific piece of legislation that corresponds to AA & NH/PI issues or other policy issues you're passionate about.

• Two Letters of Recommendation

• Academic Transcript(s) (official or unofficial, if applicable)

 

Deadline to apply: January 26, 2024

 

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 Fellowship alumni, APAICS staff, and members of the APAICS Board of Directors.

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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, community involvement, commitment to public service, clarity of writing, and ability to challenge self.

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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.

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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.

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Questions?

Please contact: programs@apaics.org

Please do not contact the office in regard to your application status. Only qualified candidates will be directly contacted by program supervisors. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to all applicants.