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Program Overview

The ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø (ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø) Federal Policy D.C. Fellowship Program is an intensive 4-day fellowship managed by the .

Key Objectives:

  • Student Career Placement: Boost competitiveness for D.C.-based internships and full-time employment across Congress, federal agencies, and policy organizations.
  • Direct Access: Connect directly with Idaho's Congressional delegation (Chiefs of Staff and intern coordinators); key Idaho and national stakeholders such as ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø’s DC-based federal relations team, and other key ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø partners such as , and ; and, ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø alumni currently working in Federal government roles.
  • Elevating ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Visibility: Expand alumni networking in Washington, D.C., and strengthen ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø's institutional profile in federal policy.
  • Practical Insights: Gain firsthand knowledge of congressional office dynamics, legislative staff roles, and public service career pathways.

Application Process & Guidelines

  • Target Group: Up to 4 upper-level undergraduate or graduate students across all academic disciplines.
  • 2026 Application Deadline: October 12, 2026.
  • Selection Interviews: October 15, 2026 (10-minute in-person interviews for semi-finalists)
  • Requirements: Written responses to 3 questions (max 1,500 characters each) covering interest in the fellowship, target policy areas, and long-term career goals.
  • Student Cost Responsibility: $500 total ($350 participation fee to cover group activities + $150 estimated for local travel, meals, and personal expenses). Travel scholarships are provided by ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø and co-sponsoring partners.
  • TENTATIVE DC Visit Outline: Review the 2026 .

 

For detailed Q&A, access the official .

  • Q: How much interaction will fellows have with congressional staff?
    • A: Fellows meet with staff across each Idaho delegation office, attend the Idaho Industry Breakfast, meet with Hill office intern coordinators and Chiefs of Staff, and network 1:1 with ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø alumni currently working on Capitol Hill and executive branch agencies.
  • Q: Will this fellowship help secure future D.C. internships or employment?
    • A: Yes. A primary goal is creating direct personal connections with hiring managers and decision-makers in federal offices.
  • Q: What is meant by "alignment with D.C. career pathways"?
    • A: A demonstrated interest in federal policy or public service careers (Legislative or executive branch, or federal judicial pathways). State or local policy interest alone is not the primary focus.
  • Q: Is this program a good fit for pre-law students?
    • A: Absolutely. Legal and policy connections made during the trip directly support federal-level public service career goals.

Fellows complete pre-visit preparation seminars and targeted readings prior to the DC visit. Examples include:

 

  • Federal Legislative Foundations:
  • Industry Partner Insights:
    • (Director of Government Affairs, Ruveon / Bayer U.S.)
    • (Pre-readings on legislative dynamics)

  • 4-Day Intensive Schedule (Dec 1–4, 2026): Includes quarterly Idaho Industry Breakfast, Idaho delegation visits (Hill Visits), discussions with ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø alumni currently working in Washington DC, discussions with Hill staff responsible for internship coordination and employment decisions, DC monument and interesting sites tours, and Federal policy discussions with DC-based policy professionals.
  • Post-Visit Deliverables: Once Fellows return to Idaho, they will provide a 10–12 minute presentation to their student colleagues on career insights, and write a 3–5 page essay summarizing policy learnings. All materials will be publicly archived to guide future student cohorts.