TechCongress brings diverse tech talent, ideas and training to Congress and to build a practical and pragmatic understanding of Washington within the tech community.
Application Deadline: 22nd August 2023 at 11:59pm EST.
Eligible Countries: International
To Be Taken At (Country): USA
About the Award: 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:
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- Briefing Members and staff about technology issues
- Researching legislation
- Preparing for hearings or markups
- Meeting with stakeholder groups and building coalitions
Since 2016, we’ve sent over 95 technologists to Congress. Fellows have made an incredible impact on both the institution and tech policy, including:
- Helping organize the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing with Open AI CEO Sam Altman;
- Helping draft the House Judiciary Committee’s Antitrust Subcommittee report on tech monopolies;
- Issuing House Modernization Committee’s recommendations to make Congress more effective, efficient and transparent;
- Managing the investigation into the allegations made by Facebook whistleblower Francis Haugen; and
- Driving enactment of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act to ban imports from Xinjiang on the grounds of genocide and human rights abuses.
Type: Fellowship
Eligibility: 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 2020 class, fellows should expect to give ongoing feedback about fellowship activities, rapidly prototype and help build the pipeline for technological expertise into Congress.
Selection Criteria: Fellows are selected by an independent selections board using criteria that includes:
- Potential for leadership in technology policy
- Professional achievements and technical ability.
- Commitment to building a diverse and cross-sector technology policy ecosystem.
- Potential for future growth and career advancement.
- Interpersonal, communication and “tech-translation” skills.
- Individual plans for incorporating the fellowship experience into specific career goals.
Number of Awards: At least 12
Value of Award: The Congressional Innovation Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to change Congress by injecting desperately needed technological expertise into the Legislative Branch. Fellows receive competitive stipend and benefits during their nine month residency to ensure that they can achieve maximum impact.
Benefits include:
- $85,000/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 $2,500
Duration of Programme: 12 months running from January 2024 to December 2024.
How to Apply: Congress needs people like you. Apply below or through our application platform, Screendoor.
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