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Apply NOW for January-July 2019
Why a Women’s Public Policy Fellowship? The fellowships are designed to train potential leaders in public policy formation to examine issues from the perspective, experiences, and needs of women. Administered by the Women’s Congressional Policy Institute (WCPI), a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization located in Washington, D.C., this program is unique – the only graduate-level fellowship program on Capitol Hill focused on women.
What does a Fellow do? Fellows work 40 hours each week in a congressional office as a legislative aide on policy issues affecting women. Fellows meet weekly for issue seminars directed by the WCPI staff. Orientation for the Class of 2019 will begin in early January 2019; office placement starts by the end of that month. The program runs until the end of July 2019.
Eligibility: Students who are currently enrolled in a graduate program, or who have completed such a program within the past two years, are eligible. WCPI strongly recommends that applicants complete at least nine hours of graduate coursework before applying and display serious interest in research and policymaking relevant to women’s issues.
Selection Criteria: Fellows are selected on the basis of academic competence as well as demonstrated interest in the public policy process. They must be articulate and adaptable and have strong writing skills. Fellows may come from virtually any field. WCPI promotes equal opportunity in its fellowship program and welcomes qualified applicants of any age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, experience, political affiliation, and academic field.
Award: Fellows will receive a stipend of approximately $3,400 gross per month for seven months (January-July). An additional sum of $1,000 is provided for the purchase of health insurance. Fellows are responsible for transportation to and from Washington, and for finding their own living arrangements.
The number of fellowships in 2019 will be dependent on funding. The five 2018 fellowships were made possible by grants from PepsiCo, Mylan, Amgen, Newcomb Institute of Tulane University, Walton Family Foundation, Kahn Education Foundation, and Kaplan, among others.
To Apply: Materials may be downloaded from WCPI’s website or obtained by mail from the Congressional Fellowship Program, Women’s Congressional Policy Institute, 409 12th Street, SW, Suite 702, Washington, DC 20024. Candidates may submit applications by mail or e-mail. No faxed applications will be accepted.
The application and supporting materials must be received by WCPI no later than Thursday, May 31, 2018.