Federal Fellows Program

About the ASME Federal Government Fellowship Program

ASME is the first engineering society to establish a Federal Government Fellowship Program. The program, which began in 1973, enables selected ASME members to devote a year working in government, providing technical advice to policy makers in Congress, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and key federal agencies.

Federal government fellows provide a valuable public service to the nation, while providing engineers with a unique opportunity to participate directly in the policy making process. Fellows have distinguished themselves as key advisors to the government in such areas as aerospace, critical infrastructure, risk analysis, energy, manufacturing, and engineering education. Individuals who have participated in the program have described their year in service as the most exciting, rewarding, and educational period of their professional careers.

The program includes two types of fellowships. Congressional fellows interact with the staff of a congressional committee, US senator, or US representative, bringing an engineering perspective to the decision-making process in the nation's public policy arena. The ASME Foundation Swanson Fellowship, named after John A. Swanson, Ph.D., the internationally recognized leader in the field of engineering simulation software, places an engineer in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Program Guidelines

• Sex, creed, race, ethnic background, and political affiliation are expressly excluded as selection criteria for fellows.
• The fellowship does not create an employer-employee relationship with the government nor with ASME.
• During the entire selection process, applicants shall only contact a prospective government host office with the knowledge and consent of the ASME program manager.
• 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.
• The federal government fellow may receive a stipend of $60,000. 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• Fellows must attend an orientation program in Washington, D.C., preceding the fellowship; his or her employer must be prepared to give the fellow this time off. The orientation program is paid by ASME.
• Fellows must submit monthly activity reports to the ASME program manager.
• 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.
• 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
• In the event of malfeasance on the part of a fellow, as determined by the ASME Board on Government Relations, the fellowship may be suspended immediately.
• 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.
• Federal Employee’s may apply for an ASME Federal Government Fellowship
• ASME Federal Fellows are required to relocate to Washington D.C. for one year for their fellowship, and are responsible for researching members of Congress and finding their own fellowships, etc.