Overview

 

APAICS 2025-2026 Congressional Fellows will receive:

 

• Professional work experience in Washington, DC

• Professional development programs, networking, and access to the APAICS alumni network

• The opportunity to visit the district of the Fellow’s congressional host office or to attend a conference relevant to their work portfolio

• Benefits:

  • A grant of $42,000 distributed monthly throughout the duration of the 12-month Fellowship 

  • Health insurance reimbursement of $200 per month

  • Domestic round-trip transportation to/from Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of the Fellowship

 

Program Requirements

 

Fellows will:

 

• Work a minimum of 40 hours a week at the host office

• Attend orientation during the last week of August, prior to the start of the Fellowship 

• Attend evening seminars twice a month to meet with the cohort and share about the fellowship experience

• Attend and serve as ambassadors for APAICS at APAICS-sponsored events during the workday and after work hours, including but not limited to:

  • APAICS Policy Summits

  • APAICS Quarterly Networking Events

  • APAICS End of Year Briefing

  • APAICS Holiday Party

  • APAICS Annual Awards Gala

• Participate in at least 75% of required APAICS programming to maintain good standing

• Complete quarterly reports and program evaluations

• Comply with APAICS policies regarding work performance and personal conduct

• Research a policy topic of significance to the AA & NH/PI community and present a policy briefing on the matter towards the end of the Fellowship

 

Eligibility Requirements

 

To be eligible to apply, applicants must:

 

• Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree or have at least five years of public service experience prior to the start of the fellowship

  • Note: Some congressional offices will only accept applicants with a graduate degree. Having a graduate degree is advantageous as it will broaden a candidate’s ability to interview with a larger pool of host offices, but is not required for the fellowship program.

• Be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals who are legally authorized to work full-time without restriction for any U.S. employer and who possess lawful evidence of employment authorization. 

  • Note: Individuals who are seeking consideration under the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” (DACA) policy must possess an Employment Authorization Document at the time of application that is valid throughout the program.

• Family members of the APAICS Board of Directors or National Advisory Council are prohibited from participating in any APAICS programs.

 

Application Guidelines

 

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):

 

• How do you envision the APAICS fellowship playing a role in your career path? Why are you applying?

 

• 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? 

 

• 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. 

 

Deadline to apply: January 31, 2025, 11:59 PM EST

 

Selection Process

 

The APAICS Congressional Fellowship Program is a highly competitive program. Applications are reviewed in a multi-step process by a Selection Committee that includes Fellowship alumni, APAICS staff, and members of the APAICS Board of Directors.

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Round 1 - Application review: applications are reviewed individually and scored by the Selection Committee. Applications are scored based on evidence of leadership and leadership potential, community involvement, commitment to public service, clarity of writing, and ability to challenge self.

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Round 2 - Interview: Top candidates receive an invitation to interview with members of the Selection Committee. Interviews are scored based on leadership qualities and experience, professionalism, commitment to public service, and future plans and aspirations.

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Round 3 - Finalist Interviews: Top candidates following Round 2 will be designated as finalists by the Selection Committee. Finalist application packages are forwarded to congressional office partners for interviews and placement.

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Questions?

 

Please visit our FAQ page or contact: programs@apaics.org.

 

Please do not contact the office regarding your application status. Candidates who advance will be contacted with instructions for next steps. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to all applicants.​