ABOUT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
ASME International was the first engineering society to establish a Federal Government Fellows Program. Since its inception, other engineering and scientific societies have used ASME's program as a model in developing their own federal government fellow programs. The program enables selected ASME members to devote a year working in government providing engineering and technical advice to policy makers in Congress, federal agencies, and the White House.

Federal Government Fellowships provide a valuable public service to the nation while at the same time providing engineers with a unique opportunity to participate directly in the policy making process. Previous fellows have described their year in Washington, D.C., as the most exciting, rewarding, and educational period of their professional careers. This enriching experience enables fellows to bring back to their employers an insider's perspective on government decision making that can contribute significantly to the mission and vision of the organization.

There are three types of fellowships available: congressional, white house and federal agency. For detailed information on the various types of fellowships, the financial support, recruitment and training, and who should apply, please click on the appropriate program.

GUIDELINES

1. Sex, creed, race, ethnic background, and political affiliation are expressly excluded as selection criteria for Fellows.
    
2. The fellowship does not create an employer-employee relationship with the government or with ASME.
    
3. During the entire selection process, federal government fellow applicants shall only contact a prospective government host office with the knowledge and consent of the ASME program manager.
    
4. Except for the congressional fellows, final selection of the federal government fellows is conditional upon consent of the host government office where the fellow will be working during the fellowship year and successful completion of any necessary agreements between the host office and ASME.
    
5. The federal government fellow may receive a stipend of $55,000. The remaining salary, moving expenses, and all other costs (including fringe benefits) must be negotiated between the fellow and his or her current employer (if applicable).
    
6. ASME's financial liability to the federal government fellow does not exceed the amount of any expenses approved by the ASME program manager. No person or entity shall have any claim against ASME for any other expenses nor for the actions of the fellows.
    
7. Federal government fellows shall be willing to make oral presentations and appearances at a reasonable number of ASME functions during their fellowship year. Travel expenses for such activities will be paid by ASME. Any travel must be approved in advance by the ASME program manager.
    
8. Fellows are responsible for all out-of-pocket costs once they begin work in Washington; any costs they anticipate for which they wish ASME reimbursement must be approved by the ASME program manager.
    
9. Fellows must attend an orientation program in Washington, DC preceding the fellowship; his or her employer must be prepared to give the fellow this time off. The orientation program is paid by ASME.
    
10. Fellows must submit monthly activity reports to the ASME program manager.
     
11. Fellows must comply with ASME policy on conflict of interest. In addition, White House Fellows must comply with executive branch policies regarding conflict of interest and financial disclosure.
     
12. Fellows shall not discredit the integrity of the assistance rendered to the Congress, White House, or other government office by permitting improper influence by any organization nor by action that would suggest such influence. Fellows must not engage in any partisan political activities during the term of appointment, including campaign activities.
     
13. In the event of malfeasance on the part of a fellow, as determined by the ASME Board on Government Relations, the fellowship maybe suspended immediately.
     
14. After they have completed their term, fellows will be asked to serve as adjunct members of the ASME Board on Government Relations and encouraged to participate in the society's public affairs activities.