*Applications for 2009-2010 Congressional Fellowships will be accepted December 1, 2008- April 1 ,2009 *
Since 1973, ASME has sponsored the Congressional Fellowship program to provide an opportunity for Society members to work with the U.S. Congress. As federal legislation becomes increasingly technical, the need for engineering expertise is essential. Congressional fellows participate directly in the lawmaking process and learn how the federal government operates. In addition, Congress is provided with the necessary engineering expertise and, at the end of the fellowship year, a fellow's employer has an engineer with in-depth knowledge of congressional decision-making processes.
Once chosen as a congressional fellow, an ASME member selects his or her congressional assignment through interviews with congressional offices, with assistance from the ASME government relations staff, and with reference to the issues identified in the Public Policy Agenda of ASME.
Recruitment and Training
Fellows may serve from January through December, or September through August, at their option. An ASME selection committee screens applications and conducts interviews with candidates in late spring. After the interviews, the selection committee may tentatively match finalists with available fellowship opportunities.
Fellows are required to attend a two-week orientation course in Washington, DC, in September. Administered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the course provides useful training and a foundation for a fellow's network that serves as both a formal and informal resource for participants throughout the fellowship year.
Financial Support of Federal Government Fellows
ASME has a limited number of stipends of $55,000 per congressional/federal government fellow. Because the stipend is not intended to be the fellow's entire financial support, the remaining salary and other costs, including benefits, must be negotiated between the fellow and his or her employer. Society members selected for congressional fellowships typically take a one-year leave of absence from their employer.
Who Should Apply
All Fellowship Applicants must be:
- A U.S. citizen
- ASME member at the time of application.
The following credentials are encouraged:
- at least five years of professional experience;
- advanced engineering degree;
- professional engineer registration; and
- public policy experience.
To Apply:
To apply, fill out the online application at https://secure.asme.org/fedgovfellows/appform.cfm or contact Kathryn Holmes, Director, Government Relations at holmesk@asme.org
ASME Washington Center
1828 L Street, N.W., Suite 906
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 785-7390 - Fax: (202) 429-9417 | 
