APAICS 2026-2027 Congressional Fellowship

TO APPLY: PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE TO THE FOLLOWING LINK AND NOT HANDSHAKE: https://bit.ly/fellowship26-27

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.

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 Congressional Fellowship Program Dates: September 8, 2026 – August 27, 2027

Location: Washington, D.C.

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

Application

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 (Each response should be no more than one page, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font.):

1. How do you envision the APAICS fellowship playing a role in your career path and what do you hope to gain from it?
2. 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?
3. Describe a challenging situation you personally experienced. How did you handle it and what did you learn from your experience?

For more information, please visit https://www.apaics.org/congressional-fellowship