The purpose of this fellowship is to provide psychologists with an invaluable public policy learning experience, to contribute to the more effective use of psychological knowledge in government and to broaden awareness about the value of psychology-government interaction among psychologists and within the federal government.
Fellows spend one year working on the staff of a member of Congress or congressional committee. Activities may involve drafting legislation, conducting oversight work, assisting with congressional hearings and events, and preparing briefs and speeches. Fellows also attend a two-week orientation program on congressional and executive branch operations, which provides guidance for the congressional placement process, and participate in a yearlong seminar series on science and public policy issues. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) administers these professional development activities for the APA fellows and for fellows sponsored by over two dozen other professional societies.
Demonstrate competence in scientific and/or professional psychology.
Demonstrate sensitivity toward policy issues.
Have a strong interest in applying psychological knowledge to the solution of societal challenges.
Be able to work quickly and communicate effectively on a wide variety of topics and be able to work cooperatively with individuals with diverse viewpoints.
An applicant must:
Be a psychologist, a member of APA (or applicant for membership), and a U.S. citizen.
Have a doctorate in psychology (from an APA accredited doctoral program and internship, if in the area of professional psychology) or related field by the application deadline.
A special exception is made for current psychology interns who may apply with certification from the director of training in their doctoral program that they have met all but the internship requirement for their doctoral degree by the application deadline. It should be noted that preference will be given to applicants with two or more years of experience following receipt of their doctorate.
How to Apply
The 2014 application cycle is now closed.
Please check back in the fall for details about the 2015 cycle.
A complete application must include the following:
A detailed curriculum vita providing information about educational background, professional employment and activities, professional publications and presentations, public policy and legislative experience, and committee and advisory group appointments (submitted electronically, with the online application form).
A statement of approximately 1,000 words addressing the applicant's interests in the fellowship, career goals, and what the applicant can contribute to and learn from the fellowship experience (submitted electronically, with the online application form).
Three letters of reference that specifically address the applicant's ability to serve successfully on Capitol Hill as a congressional fellow. Signed, hard-copy letters in sealed envelopes may be sent to the reference writers or by the applicant to the below address, and/or email versions of reference letters may be emailed by the reference writers directly from their email accounts. Mailed letters must be postmarked, and emailed letters received, by Jan. 3, 2014.
Letters of reference should be sent to:
Congressional Fellowship Program
Government Relations Office
Public Interest Directorate
American Psychological Association
750 First St. NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
For additional information, please contact Micah Haskell-Hoehl, Program Administrator, at (202) 336-5935, or visit the fellowship website.
