It is notable that one professional organization in particular, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), currently supports several Congressional Fellows, all of whom are engineers in senior level positions. Members' offices and committees have found these individuals among the most helpful and productive Congressional Fellows.

— Carnegie Commission on Science, Technology, and Government

IEEE-USA created the Congressional Fellowship program in 1973 to:

• further the effective use of scientific and technical knowledge in government;
• help educate the scientific and engineering community on the public policy process; and
• broaden the perspectives of the science, engineering and governmental communities regarding the value of such interaction.

Each year, the IEEE-USA Government Fellows Committee selects eligible IEEE members from a pool of applicants to serve a one-year fellowship on Capitol Hill. Each fellow works on the personal staff of a U.S. Senator or Congressman, or the professional staff of a Congressional Committee. Typically IEEE-USA's fellows serve the calendar year from January 1st to December 31st of every year. If special circumstances warrant it, a fellow may negotiate an alternate starting date, although IEEE-USA recommends that fellows serve in conjunction with the congressional session.

To apply for an IEEE-USA Congressional Fellowship, applicants must complete the application materials and follow the instructions provided.

Submit applications ELECTRONICALLY to Bernadette Concepcion at: (e-mail) b.concepcion at ieee.org. Be sure to specify your name, member number, mailing address, daytime phone number, and e-mail address.

Selection Criteria

To be considered for an IEEE-USA Congressional Fellowship, applicants must:

• Be a regular Member of IEEE at the time of application.
  
• Applicants must be practicing members of the profession with at least a Bachelor's degree from a four-year university or college that has a recognized program in electrical or electronics engineering, radio, or an allied branch of engineering or science.
• Applicants must possess either
  • a minimum of 10 years responsible experience in engineering programs, university teaching or independent research and a Bachelor's degree in engineering or qualified science;
  • a minimum of 5 years of such experience and a Master's degree in engineering or qualified science; or
  • a Doctoral degree in engineering or qualified science.
• Work experience must consist of FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT.  Time spent working as an intern, graduate assistant etc... will not apply.
• An applicant must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application or, at the latest, prior to selection.

Applicants are evaluated on the basis of:

• Technical competence,
• Ability to serve in a public environment,
• Basic comprehension and understanding of the public policy process, and
• Evidence of service to IEEE and the engineering profession.

The Government Fellows selection committee may establish additional criteria. Specifically excluded as selection criteria are age, sex, creed, race, ethnic background, and partisan political affiliations.

Orientation

Prior to beginning a fellowship, Fellows are enrolled in a mandatory, multi-society, two-week orientation program organized by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The orientation takes place in Washington, D.C. every September at IEEE-USA's expense. The orientation for the 2012 fellows took place August 31st until September 14th, 2011. At the completion of the orientation, each fellow begins their search for a fellowship placement.

Stipend & Travel

During the Fellowship year, IEEE-USA Congressional Fellows receive a stipend of either $65,000 (for those fellows who possess both the required degrees and work experience), or $55,000 (for Post Docs and new PhDs just entering the workforce). PhDs with significant work experience - as determined by the Government Fellows Committee - will receive the higher stipend of $65,000. The Government Fellows Committee has the discretion to determine which stipend a fellow will receive based upon an applicant's experience. For more details, please review the Policies and Procedures.

IEEE-USA provides an additional supplementary allowance of $5,000 to each fellow for travel and relocation expenses; this may be incorporated into the stipend if desired.  IEEE-USA will also reimburse reasonable pre-fellowship travel and lodging expenses (with prior approval) related to the AAAS fellowship orientation and assignment interviews.  The Fellows or their employers - if applicable - are responsible for the balance of salaries, benefits, and all other expenses.

Fellowship Reports

During their Fellowship year, the Fellows are required to provide IEEE-USA with three (3) reports.

• 1st—the placement report, due at the end of January or the first month of the fellowship—highlights the Fellowship assignment and expectations for the year.
• 2nd—the midyear report, due at the end of June or the sixth month of the fellowship—is a progress report highlighting the Fellows activities and achievements for the year to date.
• Final—due at the end of December or the twelfth month—summarizes the Fellowship experience and offers advice for prospective Fellows as well as recommendations to IEEE-USA regarding the Fellowship program.

The Fellowship reports provide helpful insight about the experience and what information on to expect in the different types of Fellowship assignments. The reports are published on-line and linked to the Fellows directory for quick reference.

The Fellowship Experience

The fellowship experience is intended to be both a learning experience for the Fellow, but more importantly, it is an opportunity for an IEEE member to pass on her knowledge and experience to policymakers who may or may not have a science and technology background. A successful Fellow:

• Performs professionally and completes projects
• Articulates needs in a constructive way
• Addresses challenges
• Takes initiative to obtain information to accomplish tasks and achieves fellowship goals
• Balances work time with learning time