Programs Overview
CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWSHIP
The APAICS Congressional Fellowship is designed for young professionals looking to increase their experience in public policy and service. The full-time paid, 12-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.
Important Dates (2026-2027 Fellowship Recruitment)
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Applications Launch: Fall 2025
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Acceptances: Spring 2026
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Congressional Office Placements: Spring to Summer 2026
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Start Date: September 8, 2026
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End Date: August 17, 2027
CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP
The Congressional Internship is designed for 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 (Summer) / $3,187.50 (Fall) stipend, paid living arrangements, travel reimbursements, metro stipend, and professional development opportunities.
Summer Internship (2026 Summer Interns):
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8-week long program
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Start date: TBA
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Congressional Office Placement Process: March-April, 2026
Fall Internship (2026 Fall Interns)
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10-week long program
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Start date: TBA
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Congressional Office Placement Process: June-August, 2026
OFFICE INTERNSHIP
The APAICS Office internship is designed for 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 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 APAICS Women’s Collective aims to build a community that inspires and supports women to become politically engaged by leading the national conversation on women representation in politics, uplifting women in politics, creating resources and tools for women to increase representation in public service, and to connect leaders and stakeholders. Programs such as our Women’s Collective Office Hours series and Women's Collective Summit provide women the chance to hear from leaders who represent varying political spectrums.
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 2026 program will take place 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. The purpose of the program is to provide students with 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.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore Washington, D.C. and participate in a mock Congress to learn firsthand what roles they can play in the American political system. Students will also have the chance to meet with AA & NH/PI leaders working in the White House and in Congress.
A limited number of need-based scholarships are offered.
