APAICS 2025-2026 Congressional Fellowship

TO APPLY: PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE TO THE FOLLOWING LINK AND NOT HANDSHAKE: https://apaics.typeform.com/fellowship-app

Program Overview

The APAICS Congressional Fellowship is designed for AA & NH/PI 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 Congressional Fellows are not employees of the federal government, their host office, or APAICS. Fellows will receive a monthly educational stipend of $3,500/mo and a $200/mo health care stipend. 

Each Fellowship experience will differ depending on the office in which they are placed and the portfolio assigned. However, Fellows will be 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 Gala, and must make a public presentation on a policy topic of their choosing for 30 minutes toward the end of the Fellowship year.

2025-2026 Congressional Fellowship Program Dates: September 02, 2025 – August 28, 2026

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Location: Washington, D.C.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025 at 11:59PM ET

Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are complete. (e.g. Applications that include two letters of recommendation and the other elements required below.) Strong applicants may be selected to advance to second-round interviews before the application deadline. You are encouraged to complete your application as soon as possible.  

Application

Completed applications will include a(n):

• Cover letter expressing interest in the program
• Resume (one page maximum)
• Academic transcript
• Two letters of recommendation
• Responses to the following three questions (one page max for each question):

1. How do you envision the APAICS fellowship playing a role in your career path? Why are you applying?
2. Please help the review committee understand your experience in America as an Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander. At what points have you lived near to or far from an AA & NH/PI community? How has your proximity to and involvement with the AA & NH/PI community (or lack thereof) shaped your identity and influenced your views on the role of public policy?
3. Should public policy incentivize assimilation of minority communities or preservation of diverse cultures and languages? What balance should be struck and what challenges do you foresee in either case? Discuss.

Responses to each question should be no more than one page each, in 12-point, Times New Roman font.

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