TechCongress 2023 Congressional Innovation Fellowship

The fellowship is a twelve-month residency on Capitol Hill, running from January to December, with an optional 13th month the following January.  Fellows work directly for a Member of Congress or Congressional Committee for the duration of their residency and may spend their time on technology-related issues like emerging technologies, AI and automation, election security, data privacy, encryption, cybersecurity or defense technology policy.  Typical duties may include:

• Briefing Members and staff about technology issues
• Researching legislation
• Preparing for hearings or markups
• Meeting with stakeholder groups and building coalitions

Since 2016, we’ve sent over 95 technologists to Congress. Fellows have made an incredible impact on both the institution and tech policy, including:

• Helping organize the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing with Open AI CEO Sam Altman;
• Helping draft the House Judiciary Committee’s Antitrust Subcommittee report on tech monopolies;
• Issuing House Modernization Committee’s recommendations to make Congress more effective, efficient and transparent;
• Managing the investigation into the allegations made by Facebook whistleblower Francis Haugen; and
• Driving enactment of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act to ban imports from Xinjiang on the grounds of genocide and human rights abuses.

• Table of Content
• About TechCongress
• Congressional Innovation Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of Congressional Innovation Fellowship
• Requirements for Congressional Innovation Fellowship Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Congressional Innovation Fellowship
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About TechCongress

TechCongress is a startup non-profit, incubated at the Open Technology Institute at New America. We've got great staff and advisors doing all we can to bridge the gap between government and the technology community. We are nonpartisan and work with a diverse set of political voices, and do not take positions on issues. We work hard in an intentional and productive manner, and have fun while we do it. We are building a new generation of technology leaders, and support our staff and fellows with professional development, networking, and freedom to tinker and test new ideas. Above all, we are... continue reading

Congressional Innovation Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of Congressional Innovation Fellowship

The Congressional Innovation Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to change Congress by injecting desperately needed technological expertise into the Legislative Branch.  Fellows receive competitive stipend and benefits during their nine month residency to ensure that they can achieve maximum impact.

Benefits include:

• $85,000/year equivalent stipend
• Health insurance supplement of up to $400/month*
• Relocation allowance of up to $2,500
• Equipment or travel allowance of up to $2,500

Requirements for Congressional Innovation Fellowship Qualification

Citizenship is not a requirement to apply.  TechCongress is unable to assist with visa applications or renewals but anyone legally authorized to work in the United States through the duration of the fellowship and holding a US bank account is eligible to apply.

Applicants should:

• Have experience working in or with technology, and the ability to convey complex technical subjects to less-technically savvy individuals.
• Have some professional experience or be enrolled in or near completion of a graduate level program.
• Have a strong desire help build the Congressional Innovations Fellows program.  As part of the 2020 class, fellows should expect to give ongoing feedback about fellowship activities, rapidly prototype and help build the pipeline for technological expertise into Congress.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Congressional Innovation Fellowship

Selection Criteria:

Fellows are selected by an independent selections board using criteria that includes:

• Potential for leadership in technology policy
• Professional achievements and technical ability.
• Commitment to building a diverse and cross-sector technology policy ecosystem.
• Potential for future growth and career advancement.
• Interpersonal, communication and “tech-translation” skills.
• Individual plans for incorporating the fellowship experience into specific career goals.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit TechCongress website.