The Congressional Innovation Scholars fellowship program will place you among the top tech decision makers in the United States government at a time when technology is reshaping society in fundamental ways. Even if you’ve never considered working in government, the Congressional Innovation Scholars program will allow you to make change at the highest levels and at a scale unparalleled in the private or public sectors.

Applications for the 2021 Scholars Program are now open and will close at 11:59 pm ET on February 5, 2021. Click here to apply now. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Twitter for more updates.

We are bridging the divide between Congress and the technology sector by placing tech savvy people like you– who are have recently finished, or are on track to finish a Master’s program or PhD– to work with Members of Congress and Congressional Committees in order to build capacity in Congress, train cross-sector leaders — who can understand the challenges of government and in the technology community — and keep Congress up to date about the latest challenges and opportunities relating to technology.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Congressional Innovation Scholar you will:

• Work with TechCongress to choose a placement with a Member or Congress or Congressional Committee and report directly to a senior staffer (like a Legislative or Staff Director) in that office from June 2021 through April 2022.
• Perform duties similar to other Congressional staff by applying your experience in technology to a variety of work, including:
• Researching relevant policymaking (on issues like encryption, autonomous vehicle regulations, facial recognition privacy, health IT, election security, disinformation, open data, cyber/data security and many others)
• Helping educate Members and staff about these issues.
• Writing legislation.
• Preparing for and organizing Committee hearings, markups, or investigations.
• Building coalitions with partners and other groups.
• Support TechCongress by writing about and presenting on your experience periodically, and represent TechCongress and the Congressional Innovation Scholars at meetings or events.

ELIGIBILITY

What we’re looking for in our Scholars:

• Recently finishing (or projected to finish by June 2021) a technical degree program (Master’s, PhD, or done with PhD coursework and still completing your dissertation), or early on in your career.
• Tech savvy, with experience working in or studying the technology sector.
• Great interpersonal and communications skills.
• Some technical ability.
• Ability to explain technology to those that aren’t as familiar with technology tools or concepts.
• Track record of success taking initiative and working with others.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Committed to helping get Members of Congress and Congressional staff up to speed on technology issues.

No experience working in or with government? Great! We’re not looking for that. The Congressional Innovation Scholars program is an opportunity to expose technology leaders like you to Capitol Hill. It is first and foremost and educational experience, giving you a one-of-its-kind education into how Congress and the government works.

BENEFITS

Scholars earn a stipend equivalent to $60,000 annually during the 10 month program ($5000/mo.). Benefits include reimbursements for healthcare (up to $400/mo.), fellowship travel (up to $1,500), relocation to DC (up to $2,500), and up to $2,000 for accommodation for the first month of the fellowship in the Washington DC area to ease the transition during COVID-19.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Aleena Khan, Program Manager (aleena@techcongress.io).