Application
The application period for the 2025 WCPI Congressional Fellowships is now closed! Please check back in late March 2025 for the next application cycle.
View WCPI’s Fact Sheet on the fellowship program for more information.
We also held an informational webinar on Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Click here to learn more and view the full recording.
Application Guidelines
The following items are required as part of the application. No exceptions will be made for incomplete applications after the deadline.
- Resume
- Official academic transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation
- Responses to two essay questions
- Fully completed application form submitted by the deadline
Eligibility
Students who currently are enrolled in a graduate program, or who have completed such a program within two years of the fellowship start date, are eligible.
Applicants must have completed at least nine hours of graduate coursework before applying and display serious interest in research and policymaking relevant to issues affecting women and their families.
You must be legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of submission and demonstrate fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
FAQs
Why the Congressional Fellowship on Women and Public Policy?
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 WCPI, this program is unique – it is 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 assistant on policy issues affecting women. Fellows meet weekly for issue seminars directed by the WCPI staff.
What are the 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, 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. Fellows must be legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of submission and demonstrate fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English.
What is the award?
Fellows will receive a stipend of approximately $4,400 gross per month for seven months (January-July). An additional sum of $1,000 is provided for the purchase of health insurance.
What is the deadline for applications?
The application period for the 2025 WCPI Fellowships is now open. Applications must be submitted no later than close of business (5 p.m. Eastern), Friday, June 7, 2024, via our online application portal. No exceptions.
Semi-finalists will be interviewed in July; awards will be announced in early August.
Please direct additional questions about the program to fellowships@wcpinst.org.