NIAC Fellowships

NIAC is pleased to announce its seventh annual Public Service Fellowship and the second annual Sarafan Fellowship.  These fellowships are the first and only initiatives designed to grant Iranian-American students the opportunity to learn first-hand how the U.S. government works by interning on Capitol Hill. The experience will be enhanced through invitations to seminars, panel discussions, and opportunities to explore the DC treasures and culture with the NIAC staff.

Fellowship Program Details

The fellows will receive financial support as well as assistance finding internships with Congressional offices during the months of June through August.  The application process and deadlines are the same for both the Public Service Fellowships and Sarafan Fellowships.  The only difference is the funding source. 

Public Service Fellowship

The Public Service Fellowship is made possible by the generous support of the Parsa Community Foundation and is divided into two categories – Senior Fellow and Fellow. The two Senior Fellows will receive a summer stipend of $3,000.  The two Fellows will receive a summer stipend of $1,000.

Sarafan Fellowship

The Sarafan Fellowship is made possible by the generous support of former NIAC Fellow, Lily Sarafan.  The two Fellows will receive a summer stipend of $1,000.


Eligibility Requirements

College sophomores, juniors, seniors, recent graduates who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents of Iranian descent are eligible to apply.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities will be assigned by the host office, but may include one or more of the following:  attending committee hearings, researching legislation, general office duties, and other activities that promote first-hand knowledge of the legislative process.

In addition, the two Senior Fellows are required to write about their experience for inclusion in our NIAC newsletter and website. Their photo and name will be included as authors of the articles. 

Lodging & Transportation

Food, lodging and transportation are the student’s responsibility.  All fellows will receive a “Welcome Kit,” which includes suggested housing websites and city, metro and NIAC contact information. Students will be in close contact with NIAC’s Community Outreach Team to ensure they are fully prepared for their summer experience.

Application Process & Deadlines

The selection process is highly competitive; applicants are judged on the basis of their academic credentials, demonstrated interest and involvement in public service and the Iranian-American community, and the ability to fulfill the needs and expectations of the host office.  A background in public policy, political science, economics, international affairs, or journalism is preferred.  Please note:  the application consists of two separate parts with different deadlines. 

 

Part I:  Postmarked or emailed by Friday, January 13, 2012.

  • A completed application form.  Download the application form.
  • Three letters of recommendation, two academic and one from an employment or school activity supervisor.
  • Resume
  • Current college transcript
  • 500-word essay addressing the following question:  “How has being Iranian-American influenced your decision to pursue a career in public service?”

The application process and deadlines are the same for the Public Service Fellowships and the Sarafan Fellowships. 

Candidates selected for interviews will be notified on Wednesday, January 18, 2012.  Final fellowship awardees will be notified on Friday, January 27, 2012.

 

Part II:  To be completed by Fellowship recipients ONLY.  Postmarked or emailed by Friday, February 10, 2012.

  • Send NIAC a list of five Congressional offices where you would like to work. At least three of the offices must be a Congressional office in the state where you are registered to vote. Other offices can be committees, sub-committees, or congressional offices you have a specific interest in.
  • Write cover letters for each office you select.  The cover letters should describe your background, interests and accomplishments, and should be customized to each Congressional member.  Other suggestions for the cover letter:
o   Specify the policy issues of interest to you
o   Letter address line:  Honorable <First Name><Last Name>
o   Letter greeting:  Dear Congressman/Congresswoman  <Last Name>
o   “CC” the office intern coordinator
  • NIAC will review and provide edits on (or approve) the cover letters by Wednesday, February 15, 2012.
  • Fellows are then asked to send approved cover letters and resume to the five Congressional offices.  Fellows are also asked to conduct the necessary follow up efforts with the offices.
  • Fellows will work closely with NIAC’s Director of Community Outreach & Programming to ensure placement.