Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS)

The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) is a national non-partisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander participation and representation at all levels of the political process, from community service to elected office.

APAICS programs focus on developing leadership, building public policy knowledge, and filling the political pipeline for Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders to pursue public office at the local, state, and federal levels.

The APAICS Congressional Fellowship is designed for young AA & NH/PI professionals looking to increase their experience in public policy and service. The full-time paid, 9-month program places Fellows in congressional offices to gain policy experience as part of the legislative team. The program provides Fellows with opportunities to build their leadership skills, encourage political engagement, and foster interest in a public service career.

2023-24 Application Period Closed

Website

https://apaics.org/programs/fellowship/

Host Country

United States

Duration

Nine months

Applicants

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have completed their undergraduate or graduate degree and/or have at least five years of public service experience prior to the program start date.

  • ​Note: Select congressional host offices require candidates to have a graduate degree. We encourage applicants who will have completed a master’s degree or J.D. by September 2023 to apply. However, you do not need to have a graduate degree to be considered for other Congressional host offices.

• Be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals who are legally authorized to work full-time without restriction for any U.S. employer and who possess lawful evidence of employment authorization.

Contact

Email: programs@apaics.org

How To Apply:

Application Guidelines

Required Documents: the following items are required as part of the application. No exceptions will be made for incomplete applications after the deadline.

• Resume

• Cover Letter

• Essay Responses (each response should be no longer than 500 words)

  • ​Why do you want to pursue a career in public service?

  • Please describe one instance in your life that best exemplifies your leadership. The experience can be professional, academic, political, or personal.

  • Draft a memo to your congressional member (e.g. your senator or representative of choice) discussing a policy issue of critical importance to AA & NH/PI communities. Explain why your representative should prioritize/act on this issue and why it is an issue of importance for AA & NH/PI communities OR write a letter to a chosen member of congress advocating in support of a specific piece of legislation that corresponds to AA & NH/PI issues or other policy issues you’re passionate about.

• Two Letters of Recommendation

• Academic Transcript(s) (official or unofficial, if applicable)