Paid Congressional Fellowship in Washington

With Honor Institute, a nonpartisan nonprofit in Washington, D.C. that works to reduce polarisation in Congress, runs a full-time, paid fellowship placing experienced professionals in congressional offices on Capitol Hill for a year. Fellows work inside a House or Senate office on legislation, policy and constituent work, alongside training, mentorship and programming from the Institute. It is aimed at mid-career professionals committed to bipartisan collaboration, and military or veteran experience is preferred but not required.

What you get:

• A full-time, paid 13-month fellowship, including a year-long placement in a Washington, D.C. congressional office
• Required December orientation and congressional training through Georgetown University's Government Affairs Institute at the McCourt School of Public Policy
• Training on congressional operations, advanced legislative process and practical preparation for Capitol Hill
• Professional development, mentorship and programming from With Honor Institute throughout the year

What you'll do:

• Research legislation and policy and prepare briefings, memos and other written materials
• Track legislation, hearings and congressional activity
• Support policy, legislative, communications or constituent-service work in your host office
• Attend meetings, briefings and hearings and work with staff across political backgrounds
• Take part in With Honor Institute orientation, programming and periodic check-ins

Key dates:

• Applications open September 15, 2026
• Applications close October 15, 2026
• Required orientation and training: December 2 to 8, 2026, Washington, D.C.

More information:

• Questions go to fellowship@withhonorinstitute.org
• Selection as a Fellow does not guarantee placement with a particular office; placements are matched by interview and must suit both the Fellow and the office
• Placements are in D.C. offices only; district and state offices are not available

• At least five years of professional experience, or comparable substantive experience
• A bachelor's degree; advanced degrees welcome but not required
• U.S. citizenship, or U.S. permanent residency with authorisation to work in the United States
• Able and willing to work full-time in Washington, D.C. for the full 13 months
• Must attend the full mandatory December 2026 orientation and training in person
• Military or veteran experience preferred, not required
• Interest or experience in national security, public policy, government or public service preferred
• Must disclose any prior relationship with a House or Senate office; a Fellow cannot be placed in an office they had a professional relationship with in the last 24 months
• Apply with a resume, a personal statement of up to 500 words, and two references, all as PDFs