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The purpose of this fellowship is to give mid to senior-level federal executives an opportunity to learn more about Congress and the legislative process through direct participation.

A comprehensive orientation begins in November of each year. Office assignments as full-time legislative aides in the House of Representatives and/or Senate run from December to August. Fellows continue to receive their regular salaries from their agencies during the fellowship.

Foreign Affairs Seminar. Agencies with substantial activity with foreign governments are additionally invited to nominate candidates to participate in the Foreign Affairs Seminar. Foreign Affairs Fellows attend an intensive eight-week course, "Congress and Foreign Policy," at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in Washington from September to November. They then join the rest of the Fellows for the November general orientation.

QUALIFICATIONS
All candidates must have a minimum grade of GS-13 or equivalent at time of application, at least two years of federal service in the executive branch, and long-term career goals relevant to a congressional experience. Additionally, candidates must demonstrate:

• a commitment to public service
• adaptability to new, diverse working environments
• an interest in the legislative process and public affairs

SELECTION
Federal agencies and departments may nominate up to three (3) candidates to APSA. Applicants must first undergo a paper review before being invited to appear before an outside selection panel for interviews.

All candidates who pass initial screening by APSA will be invited to an interview in April. The outside selection panel will announce the names of those selected as Congressional Fellows by May.

NOMINATING PROCEDURE
Nominations are to be submitted through the headquarters-level training officer or coordinator for executive development. For each candidate, the department or agency must submit seven (7) copies each of:

• a detailed resume (SF 171 or equivalent) with the following: contact information, current grade, work experience, education (degree dates and subject majors), summary of languages, special skills and interests;
   
• a statement assessing the nominee's executive potential and need for training by the supervisor(s) or agency Executive Resources Board; and
• a statement by the nominee presenting a need for training, the relevance of training to career goals, and the utilization of training by the agency.

All materials must be collated in the order listed above on three-hole punched paper. Grouped materials will not be accepted. Applications may be clipped, but no report covers or staples, please.

TRAINING AGREEMENT
For each candidate, a department or agency must submit a training agreement and reimbursement form including the following information:

• a document or reference number
• a current  billing contact and address
• the signature of the authorizing officer
• the full amount to be invoiced by APSA

COST OF PARTICIPATION
Federal Executives: $5,000 APSA administrative fee
Foreign Affairs Executives: $5,000 APSA administrative fee plus $2,850 Tuition - John's Hopkins (SAIS) Foreign Affairs Seminar. Sponsoring agencies/departments cover expenses for a district/state visit with host member of Congress (est. $1,000) and possible inclusion of employee in annual US/Canadian Parliamentary Exchange (est. $1,500).

DEADLINE
Applications must be sent by March 31st to:

Congressional Fellowship Program
American Political Science Association
1527 New Hampshire Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20036