APAICS 2027-2028 Congressional Fellowship

Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

APAICS Congressional Fellowship offers individuals a unique opportunity to serve on Capitol Hill for 12 months, gaining hands-on policy experience by working in a congressional office or committee. Fellows will develop a national network, learn congressional operations, and build marketable expertise for future roles in government, nonprofits, and the private sector.

Fellows are not federal employees; they receive a monthly educational stipend and participate in a mandatory cohort program, with

Responsibilities

• Fellows will serve as congressional legislative aides in designated offices or committees.
• Fellows participate in cohort meetings twice a month for professional development.
• Fellows attend APAICS events and present a policy topic near the end of the year.

Job description

Program Overview

The APAICS Congressional Fellowship offers individuals the opportunity to serve our nation and deepen their understanding of public policy through participation in the legislative process. Fellows are placed with a congressional office or committee for 12 months and are given work equivalent to that of a congressional legislative aide. By the end of the Fellowship, Fellows will establish a professional network on Capitol Hill, understand how Congress operates, and acquire skills and expertise that make them marketable to congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofits, and the private sector.

APAICS Congressional Fellows are not employees of the federal government, their host office, or APAICS. Fellows will receive a monthly educational stipend.

Each Fellowship experience will differ depending on the office in which they are placed and the portfolio assigned; however, Fellows are required to gather as a cohort twice a month to discuss their experiences and for professional development opportunities. Fellows are also expected to attend events organized by APAICS, such as our Annual Awards Gala and policy summits, and must make a public presentation on a policy topic of their choosing toward the end of the Fellowship year.

Dates & Location

2027-2028 Program Dates: August 30, 2027 - August 25, 2028

Application Deadline: December 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET

Location: Washington, D.C.

Application

Completed applications will include a(n):

• Cover letter expressing interest in the program
• Resume (one page maximum)
• Academic transcript
• Two letters of recommendation
• Recommenders must submit their letter of recommendation by December 18, 2026 at 11:59 ET at: https://bit.ly/4rbAE3e
• Responses to the following three questions (Each response should be no more than one page, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font.):
• How do you envision the APAICS fellowship playing a role in your career path and what do you hope to gain from it?
• Describe your experience in the U.S. with Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander communities. When have you lived near or far from these communities, and how has that proximity—or lack of it—shaped your views on public policy?
• Describe a time when you worked as part of a team and encountered a challenge. What challenges did you face individually and as a team? How did you contribute to addressing the challenge, and what did you learn about working with others?

For more information, please visit https://www.apaics.org/congressional-fellowship

Work Authorization: This job requires U.S. work authorization

Location Type: Onsite

Onsite Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Schedule: Full-time

Employment Duration: Temporary or seasonal