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 includes guidance in the congressional placement process, and participate in a year-long seminar series on science and public policy issues. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) administers these aspects of the program for the APA Fellows and for fellows sponsored by over two dozen other professional societies.
APA will sponsor up to one Fellow for a one-year appointment beginning September 1, 2012. Special Fellowships are available for mid-career clinicians and for psychologists with expertise in health and behavior issues, including HIV/AIDS, and psychologists with a background in developmental or clinical psychology and experience working directly with children (see separate program announcements). The Fellowship stipend ranges from $75,000 to $90,000, depending upon years of post-doctoral experience. In addition, APA provides additional funding for health insurance coverage, and a $3,750 stipend is available for professional development and relocation expenses during the fellowship year. Final selection of Fellows will be made in early spring of 2012.
Eligibility
A prospective fellow must:
Demonstrate competence in scientific and/or professional psychology
Demonstrate sensitivity toward policy issues and
Have a strong interest in applying psychological knowledge to the solution of societal challenges. Fellows must
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
All materials must be postmarked by January 6, 2012
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
A statement of approximately 1000 words addressing the applicant's interests in the Fellowship, career goals, and what the applicant can contribute to and learn from the experience
Three letters of reference, included with the application, specifically addressing the applicant's ability to serve successfully on Capitol Hill as a Congressional Fellow
Application materials 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.
