The Congressional Innovation Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to change Congress by injecting desperately needed technological expertise into the Legislative Branch.

The fellowship is a twelve-month residency on Capitol Hill, running from January to December, with an optional 13th month the following January.  Fellows work directly for a Member of Congress or Congressional Committee for the duration of their residency and may spend their time on technology-related issues like emerging technologies, AI and automation, election security, data privacy, encryption, cybersecurity or defense technology policy.  Typical duties may include:

• Briefing Members and staff about technology issues
• Researching legislation
• Preparing for hearings or markups
• Meeting with stakeholder groups and building coalitions

Benefits

Fellows receive competitive stipend and benefits during their nine month residency to ensure that they can achieve maximum impact.

Benefits include:

• $80,000/year equivalent stipend
• Health insurance supplement of up to $400/month*
• Relocation allowance of up to $2,500
• Equipment or travel allowance of up to $1,500

Eligibility

The Congressional Innovation Fellowship is an opportunity for early – mid career technology professionals to get hands on experience working in Congress and learn about the policymaking process.  The program embraces diversity and believes that a wide range of views, backgrounds and experience will contribute to improved policy outcomes.  Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Citizenship is not a requirement to apply.  TechCongress is unable to assist with visa applications or renewals but anyone legally authorized to work in the United States through the duration of the fellowship and holding a US bank account is eligible to apply.

Applicants should:

• Have experience working in or with technology, and the ability to convey complex technical subjects to less-technically savvy individuals.
• Have some professional experience or be enrolled in or near completion of a graduate level program.
• Have a strong desire help build the Congressional Innovations Fellows program.  As part of the 2019 class, fellows should expect to give ongoing feedback about fellowship activities, rapidly prototype and help build the pipeline for technological expertise into Congress.