Building the Next Generation of Leaders on Capitol Hill
Applications for the 2027 Congressional Fellowship are now open!
Applications will be accepted September 15 through October 15, 2026. We invite you to review the fellowship information and program requirements below to learn more about the opportunity and what to expect.
If the fellowship feels like the right fit for you, we welcome you to apply using the link at the bottom of this page.
About the Fellowship
The With Honor Institute (WHI) Congressional Fellowship Program is a full-time, paid program that provides experienced, values-driven professionals with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Congress, public policy, and bipartisan governance through a year of service and professional development on Capitol Hill.
Selected Fellows will be invited to join participating congressional offices in person in Washington, D.C., where they will gain firsthand experience with the legislative process and congressional operations while contributing their professional skills and perspectives to public service. Fellows will also participate in training, professional development, mentorship, and programming provided by With Honor Institute throughout the fellowship year.
The program is designed for mid-career professionals who demonstrate a commitment to bipartisan collaboration, principled leadership, and service to the country.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Depending on the needs of the host congressional office and the Fellow’s experience, responsibilities may include:
- Conducting legislative and policy research and preparing briefings, memoranda, and other written materials.
- Tracking legislation, hearings, policy developments, and congressional activity.
- Supporting policy, legislative, communications, or constituent-service initiatives.
- Participating in meetings, briefings, hearings, and other congressional activities.
- Working collaboratively with congressional staff and stakeholders across diverse political and professional backgrounds.
- Participating in required WHI orientation, professional development, fellowship programming, and periodic program check-ins.
Qualifications
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A minimum of five years of professional experience or comparable substantive experience.
- A bachelor’s degree; advanced degrees are welcomed but not required.
- Military or veteran experience is preferred but not required.
- Professional experience or demonstrated interest in national security, public policy, government, public service, or a related field is preferred.
- A demonstrated commitment to bipartisan collaboration and an ability to work constructively across ideological differences.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced professional environment.
- Professional maturity, sound judgment, and discretion.
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency with authorization to work in the United States.
- Ability and willingness to work full-time in Washington, D.C. for the duration of the fellowship.
Physical Demands and Working Environment
- Stationary Position: Remain in a seated or standing position for extended periods, typically up to 7-8 hours per day, while performing office tasks.
- Computer and Desk Work: Continuously operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, and multi-line phone system to draft correspondence, manage schedules, and process data.
- Mobility & Office Navigation: Move frequently within a fast-paced Capitol Hill office complex, navigating long marble hallways, stairs, and underground tunnels.
- Independent Local Travel: Travel independently to various offices, briefings, hearings, or events in and around the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Fellows are expected to arrange their own transportation and navigate transit options (such as walking, the Metro system, or rideshares) to ensure timely attendance at off-site locations.
- Lifting & Handling: Lift and transport light office files, constituent mail bins, or briefing materials weighing up to 15 pounds.
- Communication & Focus: Communicate clearly and professionally with staff, constituents, and officials in a highly dynamic, public, and frequently noisy office environment.
Prior Congressional Employment & Relationship Disclosure
To support the integrity of the Fellowship’s placement process and compliance with applicable congressional ethics guidance, applicants must fully disclose any previous employment, internship, fellowship, temporary service, campaign service, or other professional relationship with a U.S. House or Senate office as part of the application process.
Applicants should identify the office, describe the nature of the relationship or service, and provide the approximate dates of that relationship. Prior congressional experience does not necessarily disqualify an applicant from the Fellowship; however, it may affect the offices in which an applicant is eligible to be placed.
With Honor Institute will review disclosed relationships as part of its conflict and eligibility review before presenting Fellows for potential placement. Applicants should not assume that a prior relationship with an office will result in, or provide preference for, placement with that office.
Required Training & Orientation
Selected Fellows will begin the program with a required December orientation and congressional training program through Georgetown University’s Government Affairs Institute (GAI) in person in Washington, D.C. The training is designed to prepare Fellows for their congressional placements by providing an immersive introduction to congressional operations, legislative procedure, and the practical realities of working on Capitol Hill. Capitol Hill Fellowship Orientation session runs from December 2-8, 2026 at the McCourt School of Public Policy (125 E St NW, Washington, DC 20001). Applicants should plan to be available in Washington, D.C. for the full December training period. Attendance at the required orientation and training is a condition of participation in the Fellowship.
The training is expected to include:
- Congressional Operations Seminar: An intensive introduction to congressional organization, processes, and culture, including perspectives from congressional practitioners, policy experts, political scientists, media, interest groups, and Members of Congress.
- Advanced Legislative Process: In-depth instruction on legislative procedure and strategy, including legislative drafting and referral, committee hearings and markups, committee reports, House and Senate floor procedures, the House Rules Committee, reconciliation of House-Senate differences, and interpretation of legislative documents.
- Practical Preparation for Capitol Hill: Exposure to the institutions, processes, and professional environment Fellows will encounter during their congressional placements.
Application Requirements
Applicants will be asked to submit:
- A current resume.
- A personal statement.
- At least 2 references.
In your personal statement, please describe why you are interested in the With Honor Institute Congressional Fellowship and how your background, professional experience, leadership, and commitment to service have prepared you to contribute to the mission of the program and to bipartisan public service on Capitol Hill.
Have questions about the Fellowship?
We’re happy to help. Please contact fellowship@withhonorinstitute.org
