Spend a year in Washington, DC, applying your expertise in psychology to public policy

The American Psychological Association invites applications for its 2019-2020 Policy Fellowships by January 6, 2019.

Each year, APA places three psychologists in congressional offices and a federal agency in Washington, D.C. These APA Policy Fellowships provide a unique opportunity to bring valuable and much-needed psychological perspectives to federal policymaking institutions.

APA Congressional Fellowship

The APA Congressional Fellowship places a psychologist for one year on Capitol Hill working as a special legislative assistant in a U.S. House or Senate office. Congressional Fellows bring their psychological expertise to bear on a diverse range of policymaking activities, such as drafting legislation, writing speeches, meeting with constituents and outside groups, and conducting background research. Psychologists who have experience working directly with children may also indicate that they wish to be considered for a second congressional position, the  Jacquelin Goldman Congressional Fellowship.

Read more about what past congressional fellows have said about their fellowship experience: Six Essential Lessons You Learn from Working on Capitol Hill as an APA Congressional Fellow.

APA Executive Branch Science Fellowship

The APA Executive Branch Science Fellowship places a psychological scientist as a special assistant in a federal agency working on issues ranging from science policy to research administration. The year-long placement is tailored to the individual fellow’s interest and expertise. Past placements have included the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Justice and U.S. Agency for International Development.

Read more about the experience of our most recent Executive Branch Science Fellow: More than ever, our government needs scientists in its midst.

Completed applications for the 2019-2020 fellowship year are due by Jan. 6, 2019.

For questions about the APA Congressional Fellowships, contact Gabe Twose, PhD, fellowship director, or for the APA Executive Branch Science Fellowship, contact Craig Fisher, PsyD, fellowship director.