ACS Public Policy Fellowship Programs Grant

ACS Public Policy Fellowship Programs Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Chemical Society
Amount: Up to US $90,350
Last Updated: December 04, 2025

Summary

The ACS Public Policy Fellowship Programs aim to enhance the engagement of scientists in public policy by providing fellows with opportunities to work in congressional offices and the ACS Government Affairs team. The program focuses on educating scientists about the policy-making process and equipping them with the tools to effectively communicate science-related issues to policymakers. This initiative fosters collaboration between the chemical community and government, promoting informed decision-making on critical scientific matters.

Overview

ACS Public Policy Fellowship Programs To provide policymakers with high-quality information on science-related issues, educate scientists on how government works, and promote engagement of elected officials by ACS members. ACS Congressional Fellowship The ACS Congressional Fellowship Program places two fellows each year as staff members in the office of a Senator, Representative, or Committee. As part of a broader effort administered by AAAS that places more than 30 scientists per year in Congress, the program has two main goals: to provide policy-makers with high-quality information on science-related issues and to educate scientists on how government works and how science policy is made. Fellows work on the Congressional staff of their choice; placement support is provided by ACS and AAAS. Fellows typically serve as legislative assistants, advising on a range of science policy issues and interacting with constituents. ACS Science Policy Fellowship The ACS Science Policy Fellowship Program places one Science Policy Fellow (SPF) with the ACS Government Affairs team for 1-2 years. The SPF works with experienced Government Affairs staff on areas of importance to the chemistry enterprise, including: federal funding for scientific research science, technology, engineering, and math education green chemistry environmental policy, and regulatory policy The SPF also supports ACS' member-driven policy development process and encourages members to engage with their elected officials and other policymakers. SPFs gain a deeper understanding of how scientists and scientific organizations participate in public affairs through broad exposure to a range of policy topics and federal agencies. SPFs also conduct a unique fellowship project based on their interests. How to Apply The same application is used for both fellowships. Applicants are asked to identify if they are applying for one or both programs. Why be a Fellow? From environmental sustainability to homeland security, policymakers make decisions that require input from and have an impact on the chemical community. Policy-makers need high-quality information on science-related issues to inform public policy. Trained scientists often lack the opportunity and expertise to successfully engage in the policy process. The program provides an opportunity to educate scientists on how government works and how science policy is made. Benefits of Being a Fellow An intensive two-week orientation provides an overview of the federal policy-making process and establishes the context for the Fellowship positions. Ongoing professional development and support activities, including educational seminars and networking opportunities, continue throughout the program. ACS Fellows receive a stipend and allowances for relocation, travel, and health insurance. These differ for the two programs.Visit AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships website for more information. Stipend and Allowances ACS Fellows receive a stipend and allowances for relocation, travel, and health insurance. These differ for the two programs. ACS Congressional Fellowship Stipend:Congressional Fellows with less than seven years of post-degree work experience receive a stipend based on government rates for the GS-12, step 1 level set in January of the year the Fellowship begins.In 2023, the GS-12, step 1 level was approximately $94,000.Congressional Fellows with more than seven years of post-degree work experience receive a stipend based on government rates for the GS-12, step 5 level set in January of the year the Fellowship begins.In 2023, that level was approximately $106,000.Relocation:Reimbursement for expenses related to relocation to the Washington, DC metropolitan area is available for fellows residing more than 35 miles from the Fellowship location.Travel:Fellowship-related travel may be reimbursable by ACS. All such travel must be pre-approved by the ACS.Health Insurance:Fellows are responsible for securing their own health insurance but receive reimbursement for most health insurance costs. ACS Science Policy Fellowship Stipend:Science Policy Fellows receive a starting salary of about $82,000 plus the same benefit package as full-time ACS employees.Relocation:Reimbursement for expenses related to relocation to the Washington, DC metropolitan area is available for fellows residing more than 35 miles from the Fellowship location.Travel:Fellowship-related travel is provided by ACS Government Affairs.Health Insurance:Fellows qualify for the ACS employee benefits package, including health insurance.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Qualifications

ACS solicits applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds within the chemical sciences, including academia, industry, and the nonprofit sector.Successful applicants must demonstrate:
Significant familiarity with the chemical sciences or engineering disciplines (e.g., a doctorate or a master’s degree and equivalent experience). All degree requirements must be completed before the fellowship start date.
A working understanding of the chemical community
Technical excellence as appropriate to the career stage
Interest in the public policy process, and an awareness of and sensitivity to the political, economic, and social factors that influence policy-makers
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including experience communicating effectively (orally and in writing) with non-technical audiences
Ability to multi-task and flexibility to address a broad range of science policy issues
Sound judgment and maturity in decision-making
Membership in ACS
U.S. citizenship is a not requirement. However, ACS will not provide any assistance in obtaining the necessary work permits and visas.
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