CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
APSA Congressional Fellowship Program
2016-2017 Congressional Fellowships for Journalists
www.apsanet.org/cfp
The American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship Program is currently accepting online applications for congressional fellowships for journalists. The nine-month program in Washington, DC, gives journalists a hands-on understanding of Congress and the legislative process through placements in congressional offices.
Fellows begin their fellowship year with a comprehensive one-month orientation with congressional experts and policy leaders. Fellows then serve full-time placements of their choosing in a personal office or committee in the House of Representatives or Senate.
The fellowship year also features:
Winter and spring seminar series on Congress
Visit to the district or state of a Member of Congress
Optional study visits to Annapolis, Maryland, and Ottawa, Canada; and
ongoing guidance and mentoring from program staff.
WHO SHOULD APPLY: Early or mid-career print and broadcast journalists who have an interest in Congress and the legislative process.
QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree plus 2-10 years of continuous, full-time professional experience at a newspaper, magazine, radio station, or television news outlet. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.
THE FELLOWSHIP YEAR: Orientation begins in November 2016. Office assignments run until August 15, 2017.
STIPEND: $50,000 for the 9.5-month fellowship period, plus a travel allow ance.
SELECTION: Preference is given to candidates with a background in political reporting but without extensive Washington experience.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Applications must be submitted online and include:
A detailed resume or CV
A 500-word personal statement explaining how the Congressional Fellowship relates to your professional goals
One published or unpublished writing sample, broadcasting clip, or script
The names and contact information for three professional references who have agreed to write letters of recommendation.
DEADLINE: All application items, including letters of recommendation, are due by December 1, 2015.
For more information, please visit the Congressional Fellowship Program website.
