2025-2026 Congressional Fellowship

 

Program Overview

The APAICS Congressional Fellowship offers individuals an 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.

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APAICS Congressional Fellows are not employees of the federal government, their host office, or APAICS. Fellows will receive a monthly educational stipend of $3,700/mo. 

 

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 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.

 

2026-2027 Program Dates: September 8, 2026 – August 27, 2027

Applications Open: September 15, 2025

Application Deadline: December 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

Location: Washington, D.C.

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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. Recommenders may submit their letter of recommendation HERE​, by December 12, 2026 at 11:59 EST.

• 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 challenging situation you personally experienced. How did you handle it and what did you learn from your experience?

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APAICS Congressional Fellowship Info Sessions

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Hear from alumni on their Congressional Fellowship experience! The first session is a general overview of the program featuring alums. The second session features Republican alumni who speak on their experience in the program.

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Still have questions? Please contact programs@apaics.org.

 

Please do not contact the office regarding your application status. Only qualified candidates will be directly contacted by program supervisors. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to all applicants.