Congressional Fellowship Grant

Congressional Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Chemical Society
Last Updated: November 22, 2025

Summary

The ACS Congressional Fellowship Program offers trained scientists the chance to engage in the policy-making process, providing critical information to lawmakers on science-related issues. Each year, two fellows are placed in the offices of Senators, Representatives, or Committees, with the aim of educating them on how science policy is formed. Candidates with a strong background in chemical sciences or engineering are encouraged to apply, regardless of whether they hold a doctorate.

Overview

Why be a Fellow? From environmental sustainability to homeland security, policy-makers make decisions that require input from and have 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. 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.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. While most Fellows hold doctorate degrees, it is not a requirement. ACS is looking for candidates with significant familiarity with the chemical sciences or engineering disciplines. This can be a doctorate or a master’s degree with equivalent experience.