Program and Purpose
Congressional Science Fellows spend a year working as a staff member for a Member of Congress or congressional committee.
The purpose of the program is threefold:
- contribute to more effective use of scientific and technical knowledge in government;
- provide a unique public policy learning experience and educate the earth science community about the public policy process;
- broaden the perspective of the earth science and governmental communities regarding closer interactions between scientists and policy makers.
GSA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) are among more than 20 science and engineering organizations that sponsor a Congressional Fellow each year. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) coordinates the fellowship program and provides a two-week orientation program, assists with the process of finding a congressional office, and sponsors professional development activities throughout the year for all Fellows.
The 2019–2020 GSA-USGS Fellow will receive a stipend of $68,000 plus allowances for health insurance, relocation, and travel in connection with the fellowship. The period of the Fellowship is from September 2019 through August 2020. The fellowship is funded by GSA and by a grant from the U.S. Geological Survey. Employees of the USGS are ineligible for this fellowship, but interested USGS applicants may contact AAAS or GSA for information about other programs. The fellowship is open to GSA members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Selection Criteria
If you are a geoscientist with a broad scientific background, experience applying scientific knowledge to societal challenges, and a passion for helping shape the future of the geoscience profession, GSA and the USGS invite your application. The fellowship is open to GSA members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. A Ph.D. at the time of appointment or a master’s degree in engineering plus five years of professional experience is required.
The program is aimed at geoscientists who:
- show exceptional competence in some area of the geosciences;
- have a broad professional background;
- are cognizant of many matters outside their area of specialization;
- have a strong interest in applying scientific knowledge toward the solution of societal problems;
- are articulate, flexible, able to work well with people from diverse professional backgrounds;
- are interested in working on a range of public policy problems;
- have excellent written and oral communication skills
- function well during periods of intense pressure;