Since 1973, ASME has sponsored the Federal Government Fellowship to provide an opportunity for Society members to work with the U.S. Congress or federal government agencies.

As federal legislation and regulation becomes increasingly technical, the need for engineering expertise is essential. Occasionally, ASME is able to offer fellowships in other federal government offices, such as the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Critical Technologies Institute or the U.S. Department of Energy. The availability of these fellowships is determined by the sponsoring hosts, funding opportunities, and suitable ASME candidates.

Fellows participate directly in the process and learn how the federal government operates. In addition, agencies are provided with essential engineering expertise and, at the end of the fellowship year, a fellow's employer has an engineer with in-depth knowledge of congressional/governmental decision-making processes.

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. Finalists for the Federal Government Agency fellowship may also be interviewed by staff in those offices, who will determine final approval of those fellowships.

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
Through a grant provided by the ASME Foundation, ASME provides a stipend of $55,000 per fellow, as needed. The stipend is not intended to be the fellow's entire financial support, the remaining salary and other costs, including benefits, may be negotiated between the fellow and his or her 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.