IEEE-USA created the Congressional Fellowship program in 1973 to:

• further the effective use of scientific and technical knowledge in government;
  

• help educate the scientific and engineering community on the public policy process; and
  

• broaden the perspectives of the science, engineering and governmental communities regarding the value of such interaction.

Each year, the IEEE-USA Government Fellows Committee selects eligible IEEE members - typically two (2) - from a pool of applicants to serve a one-year fellowship on Capitol Hill. The fellows work on the personal staff of a U.S. Senator or Congressman, or the professional staff of a Congressional Committee. The fellow, along with the Congressional sponsor and IEEE-USA, negotiates a starting date, although IEEE-USA recommends that Fellowship terms run from January 1st to December 31st.

Prior to beginning a fellowship, Fellows are enrolled in a mandatory, multi-society, two-week orientation program organized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The orientation takes place in Washington, D.C. every September at IEEE-USA's expense.

The 2011 AAAS fellows orientation is scheduled for 31 August - 14 September 2010. The orientation concludes with a reception with congressional staff. During this time, each fellow begins their search for a fellowship placement.

• 2010 calendar of all AAAS Fellowship Events (workshops, seminars, meetings, other fellowship dates Updated link available soon) (FYI - IEEE-USA Fellows are categorized as "Jan. starts" and need be in Washington, in September, only for the AAAS orientation activities.)

To be considered for an IEEE-USA Congressional Fellowship, applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen at the time of selection.
• Be an IEEE member in good standing at Member grade or higher for at least two (2) years. Graduate student memberships count towards the 2 year requirement but not the undergraduate student memberships.
• Possess a BS in engineering or qualified science and 10+ years professional experience; MS in engineering or qualified science and 5+ years professional experience; or PhD/ Post-doc in engineering or qualified science, entering the workforce.

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of:

• Technical competence, ability to serve in a public environment, basic comprehension and understanding of the public policy process, and
• Evidence of service to IEEE and the engineering profession.

The Government Fellows selection committee may establish additional criteria. Specifically excluded as selection criteria are age, sex, creed, race, ethnic background, and partisan political affiliations.

Stipend & Travel

During the Fellowship year, IEEE-USA Congressional Fellows receive a stipend of either $65,000 (PhD, MS and BS with minimum experience levels) or $55,000 (Post Docs/ PhDs just entering the workforce). PhDs with significant work experience will receive the higher stipend. The Government Fellows Committee has the discretion to determine stipend levels based upon an applicant's experience.

IEEE-USA provides an additional supplementary allowance of $5,000 for travel and relocation expenses; this may be incorporated into the stipend if desired.  IEEE-USA will also reimburse reasonable pre-fellowship travel and lodging expenses (with prior approval) related to the AAAS fellowship orientation and assignment interviews.  The Fellows or their employers - if applicable - are responsible for the balance of salaries, benefits, and all other expenses.

Fellowship Reports

During their Fellowship year, the Fellows are required to provide IEEE-USA with three (3) reports.

• 1st—the placement report, due at the end of January or the first month of the fellowship—highlights the Fellowship assignment and expectations for the year.
• 2nd—the midyear report, due at the end of June or the sixth month of the fellowship—is a progress report highlighting the Fellows activities and achievements for the year to date.
• Final—due at the end of December or the twelfth month—summarizes the Fellowship experience and offers advice for prospective Fellows as well as recommendations to IEEE-USA regarding the Fellowship program.

The Fellowship reports provide helpful insight about the experience and what information on to expect in the different types of Fellowship assignments. The reports are published on-line and linked to the Fellows directory for quick reference.

The Fellowship Experience

The fellowship experience is intended to be both a learning experience for the Fellow, but more importantly, it is an opportunity for an IEEE member to pass on her knowledge and experience to policymakers who may or may not have a science and technology background. A successful Fellow:

• Performs professionally and completes projects
• Articulates needs in a constructive way
• Addresses challenges
• Takes initiative to obtain information to accomplish tasks and achieves fellowship goals
• Balances work time with learning time

Resources

AAAS publication: "From the Lab to the Hill: Essays Celebrating 20 Years of Congressional Science and Engineering Fellows," which includes essays by IEEE-USA Congressional Fellow alumni Charles Bostian, LeEarl Bryant, Tom Fagan, George Swetnam and Don Willyard.