Congressional Fellows on Women and Public Policy
Only students who are currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral program at an accredited institution in the United States or who have completed such a program within the past 18 months are eligible. WREI strongly recommends that applicants complete at least nine hours of graduate coursework before applying and have a demonstrated interest in research or political activity related to women's social and political status.
The Women's Research & Education Institute (WREI) offers a fellowship program that places current or recent graduate students in the Washington, D.C. offices of Members of Congress and on House and Senate staffs. WREI Fellows work a minimum of 40 hours per week from January through August as legislative aides on public policy issues. Following a mandatory two-week orientation to Capitol Hill in January, Fellows meet once a week at issue seminars with women's advocates, activists, Congressional staff, researchers, and lobbyists.
Application form includes:
- Personal information
- Current educational information
- Three letters of reference (to be mailed directly by references)
- Educational background
- Resume
- Employment, volunteer work, and civic activities
- Autobiographical essay (1,500 word max.) addressing "how you got to where you are today", as well as what experiences led to your interest in women's rights, what areas of policy you are most interested in, and how the fellowship will advance your personal and professional goals
- List of academic and professional accomplishments relevant to women's rights and public policy issues
- A paragraph on the skills, maturity, and flexibility you offer to cope with the challenges of working on a Congressional environment.
- OPTIONAL: statement to indicate special and unusual skills, interests, or experiences that you consider important in the evaluation of your qualifications for this fellowship.
Must work at least 40 hours per week. Reimbursment covers the cost of three hours tuition at home institutions (books and other non-tuition charges are NOT covered).
Semi-finalists will be interviewed in June, July, and August.
WREI expects to award at least five Fellowships for 2012.