News & Publications

February 11, 2010

NIAC Public Service Fellowship

NIAC is pleased to announce its fifth annual Public Service Fellowship. This fellowship is the first and only initiative designed to grant Iranian-American students the opportunity to learn first-hand how the US government works by interning on Capitol Hill.

NIAC will place three Iranian-American students in Congressional offices to fulfill an internship during the months of June to August. Fellows will be required to write about their experience for publication on our website. The leading candidate will receive a stipend of $1000.

Rising college sophomores, juniors, seniors, recent graduates and graduate students who are US citizens or legal permanent residents of Iranian descent are eligible to apply. Responsibilities of the fellow include: attending committee hearings, researching legislation, general office duties, and other activities that promote first-hand knowledge of the American legislative process.

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 Congressional 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: Post marked or emailed by February 10, 2010 11:59 pm

A completed application form- Form can be found here
Three letters of recommendation, two academic and one from an employment 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?

Candidates selected for interviews will be notified on Feb. 17.

Part II- Only to be completed after an interview by selected fellows. Postmarked or emailed by March 1, 2010

Send NIAC a list of five congressional offices where they would like to work.
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 and the specific public policy issue you would like to work with. In the letters, the address line should address the Representative or Senator by the title, “The Honorable.” You should greet the member by either Congressman/Congresswoman or Senator. Also, please “CC” the internship coordinator at the top of the letter. You are to send copies of cover letters to NIAC for review by March 1, 2009. You are encouraged to apply to congressional offices in the state where you are registered to vote.

On March 5, NIAC will approve cover letters and fellows must apply directly to the five selected Congressional offices.

Important Deadlines and Items

When	What
February 10, 2010	Part I A completed application form Three letters of recommendation, two academic and one from an employment 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?
February 17, 2010	NIAC schedules interviews
March 1, 2010	Part II (only to be completed by Fellows) Fellows provide NIAC with copies of 5 cover letters sent to Congressional offices
March 5, 2010	NIAC approves cover letters Fellows apply directly to 5 Congressional offices