Programs Overview
CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWSHIP
The APAICS Congressional Fellowship is designed for young AA & NH/PI 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 as part of the legislative team. The program provides Fellows with opportunities to build their leadership skills, encourage political engagement, and foster interest in a public service career.
APAICS Fellows are placed across House and Senate offices, committees, and leadership offices:
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General Track Congressional Fellows work on a variety of policy issues depending on their interest, expertise, and the placement office’s needs.
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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.
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2023-2024 issue area-specific tracks: STEM, Foreign Policy, and Aerospace & Defense.
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Important Dates (2024-2025 Fellowship Recruitment)
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Applications Launch: Fall, 2023
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Acceptances: Early Spring, 2024
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Congressional Office Placements: Spring to Summer, 2024
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Start Date: September 3, 2024
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End Date: May 31, 2025
CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP
The Congressional Internship is designed for AA & NH/PI undergraduate aged students looking to increase their experience in public policy and service. This paid, eight to ten week-long program places interns in congressional offices and provides them with the opportunity to develop their leadership and professional skills while also encouraging political engagement and fostering interests in public service careers. Intern interests range from legislative to press.
Included: $2550 stipend, paid living arrangements, travel reimbursements, metro stipend, and professional development opportunities.
Summer Internship (2024 Summer Interns):
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8-week long program
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Start date: May 28, 2024
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Congressional Office Placement Process: March-April, 2024
Fall Internship (2024 Fall Interns)
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10-week long program
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Start date: September 3, 2024
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Congressional Office Placement Process: June-August, 2024
OFFICE INTERNSHIP
The APAICS Office internship is designed for AA & NH/PI undergraduate-aged students interested in the inner workings of how APAICS and nonprofits run. This part-time, paid internship runs in the spring, summer, and fall, and provides interns with the opportunity to work on content-based projects that will support our national, regional, and local programs and initiatives. They will also have the opportunity to attend professional development and networking events featuring elected officials and community leaders.
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
The APAICS National Leadership Academy is a two-day, non-partisan leadership training program for current elected officials and individuals seeking to run for public office. Established in 1999, the program provides AA & NH/PI candidates and elected officials with the skills and resources needed to succeed in their campaigns through an interactive leadership training program and guest speakers.
The National Leadership Academy is open to both elected officials seeking higher office and individuals who may be interested in running for elected office in the future.
REGIONAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
The Regional Leadership Academy (RLA) is a two-day leadership training event for current elected officials, individuals seeking to run for public office, and community stakeholders. APAICS partners with local organizations to deliver programming that consists of interactive political training with topics ranging from developing your campaign plan, communications, digital organizing, power mapping, volunteer recruitment and management, and fundraising.
WOMEN'S COLLECTIVE
The Women’s Collective aims to build a community that inspires and supports AA & NH/PI women to become politically engaged by leading the national conversation on AA & NH/PI women representation in politics, creating resources and tools for careers in public service, and connecting leaders and stakeholders with interested in running for office. Programs such as our Women’s Collective Office Hours series provide AA & NH/PI women the chance to hear from leaders who represent different facets of the political sector.
KAKEHASHI PROJECT
The Kakehashi Project is a fully-funded program designed to promote people-to-people exchange between Japan and the United States. The program will provide participants with an enhanced understanding of Japanese economics, society, history, culture, politics, and diplomatic policies and encourage individuals to play an active role in the future of U.S.-Japan relations.
The 2024 program will happen in March. More details to follow.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
The APAICS Youth Leadership Academy program, in partnership with the Close Up Foundation, is a week-long leadership development and enrichment program geared towards high school students in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the program is to provide students of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) heritage the unique opportunity to learn more about government and public policy issues impacting the AA & NH/PI community and how they can be more involved in the political process.
A limited number of need-based scholarships are offered.
