Applications are open for Women’s Congressional Policy Institute – Congressional Fellowship on Women and Public Policy 2027

Application Deadline: July 10, 2026 (5:00 PM Eastern)

About the Fellowship

The fellowship is designed to train potential leaders in public policy formation to examine issues from the perspective, experiences, and needs of women. Administered by WCPI, this program is unique – it is the only graduate-level fellowship program on Capitol Hill focused on women. Fellows work 40 hours each week in a congressional office as a legislative assistant on policy issues affecting women. Fellows meet weekly for issue seminars directed by the WCPI staff.

Fellowship Benefits

• Stipend: Approximately $4,400 gross per month for seven months (January–July)
• Health Insurance: Additional sum of $1,000 provided for the purchase of health insurance

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program, or have completed such a program within two years of the fellowship start date
• Completed at least nine hours of graduate coursework before applying
• Display serious interest in research and policymaking relevant to issues affecting women and their families
• Legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of submission
• Demonstrate fluency in reading, writing, and speaking English

Selection Criteria: Fellows are selected on the basis of academic competence, as well as demonstrated interest in the public policy process. Candidates must be articulate, adaptable, and have strong writing skills. Fellows may come from virtually any field.

Equal Opportunity: WCPI promotes equal opportunity in its fellowship program and welcomes qualified applicants of any age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, experience, political affiliation, and academic field.

Application Requirements

The following items are required as part of the application. No exceptions will be made for incomplete applications after the deadline.

1. Resume
2. Official academic transcripts
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. Responses to two essay questions
5. Fully completed application form submitted by the deadline

Fellowship Period: January – July (7 months)

Application Process

Application Link: Click here to apply via the WCPI online application portal

Fact Sheet: View WCPI’s Fact Sheet on the fellowship program for more information

Timeline:

• Application Deadline: July 10, 2026 (5:00 PM Eastern) – No exceptions
• Semi-finalist Interviews: End of July / beginning of August 2026
• Awards Announced: Late August 2026

Questions: Direct additional questions about the program to fellowships@wcpinst.org

Why This Fellowship Matters

The WCPI Congressional Fellowship is unique as the only graduate-level fellowship program on Capitol Hill focused on women’s policy issues. Fellows gain direct experience working in a congressional office as a legislative assistant, shaping policy on issues affecting women and their families.

For graduate students and recent graduates interested in public policy, women’s issues, and legislative work, this fellowship offers:

• Hands-on experience on Capitol Hill
• Weekly issue seminars led by WCPI staff
• Professional networking within congressional offices and policy communities
• A stipend to support living expenses in Washington, DC
• Health insurance support through the additional $1,000

Alumni of the program have gone on to careers in Congress, federal agencies, advocacy organizations, and policy research institutions, bringing a gender lens to public policy formation.

For More Information: Visit the Official WCPI Congressional Fellowship Page