NIAC is pleased to announce that it is revitalizing its Congressional Fellowship in honor of the late Ali Youssefi. Youssefi served as NIAC’s board chair in 2016-17 and was an outstanding philanthropist, brilliant developer, and an ardent supporter of the Iranian-American community who understood the value of public service and giving back. We hope that this new initiative will inspire the next generation of Iranian-American leaders to pursue a career in public service.
NIAC’s Congressional fellowship is designed to provide young Iranian Americans the opportunity to learn the legislative process and start a career in public service by working on Capitol Hill.
NIAC will award two Iranian Americans a fellowship to work in a Congressional office in Summer or Fall. Fellows will be awarded a stipend of $2,500 and receive support from NIAC staff to be placed in a Congressional office, and will be asked to write about their experience for publication on our website.
Rising college sophomores, juniors, seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents of Iranian descent are eligible to apply. Responsibilities of the fellow will be determined by the Congressional office with which they are placed, though NIAC will arrange additional educational briefings and meetings for the fellow outside of their official duties.
The selection process is expected to be 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 Congressional office. A background in public policy, political science, economics, international affairs, or journalism is preferred.
Please note: the Summer application consists of two separate parts with different deadlines.
Part I: Due by May 22, 2019 11:59 pm EST [DEADLINE EXTENDED].
- A completed application form (Form can be found here)
- Two letters of recommendation, one academic, one from an employment supervisor
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Current college transcript
- 500-word essay addressing the following question: What are the two most important issues facing the Iranian-American community and how can public service contribute to a solution?
Part II (only to be completed by Fellows)
- NIAC will help place fellows with selected Congressional offices. Fellowship finalists considered for placement will be expected to interview with Congressional offices to ensure a good match.
- Fellowship start dates are ultimately determined by the matching Congressional office but it is presumed that students on the semester system will work from June 3 – August 1, 2019 and those on the quarter system will work from June 17 – August 16, 2019. Note that students on the quarter system are expected to remain on the Hill for the same length of time.
If you have questions on the application process, please contact us at [email protected].
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