Summary
The IEEE-USA Government Fellowship Program, established in 1973, is a prestigious opportunity for qualified U.S. IEEE members to serve a one-year, full-time fellowship in Washington, D.C. Fellows are embedded within the U.S. Congress or the U.S. Department of State, where they act as advisors, evaluate emerging technologies, and help bridge the gap between engineering expertise and national public policy. This program aims to provide technical insight to policymakers while offering engineers firsthand experience in the legislative and diplomatic processes.
- 🌍 IEEE-USA Government Fellowship Program 2027 is a funded 12-month fellowship in Washington, D.C., designed for eligible IEEE members interested in public policy, government, and technology leadership.
- 🏛️ Fellows serve full-time in the U.S. Congress or the U.S. Department of State from September 1, 2027, to August 31, 2028.
- 💡 The program enables engineers to influence national legislation, technology policy, energy security, diplomacy, and innovation through technical expertise.
- 📜 Established in 1973, the fellowship is one of the most prestigious public policy programs for engineering and technology professionals.
- 🤝 Fellows work directly with lawmakers and government officials, contributing to policy decisions in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, telecommunications, semiconductors, and energy systems.
- 💰 Funding and Benefits include:
- 💵 Annual stipend of approximately US$95,000
- 🚚 US$5,000 relocation allowance
- 💲 Total funding of around US$100,000
- 🎓 Professional policy training
- 🌐 Networking with senior government leaders
- 🏛️ Hands-on experience in federal policymaking
- 👥 Membership in the IEEE-USA Government Fellows alumni network
- ⚡ Higher compensation may be available for the Congressional Electric Grid Policy Fellowship
- 🛤️ The fellowship offers three tracks:
- 🏛️ Congressional Fellowship – Draft legislation, conduct policy research, prepare hearings, and advise Congress on science and technology.
- 🌎 Engineering & Diplomacy Fellowship – Support U.S. foreign policy in science, technology, cybersecurity, innovation, and international collaboration.
- ⚡ Congressional Electric Grid Policy Fellowship – Focus on electric grid modernization, renewable energy, cybersecurity, transmission planning, and energy policy.
- 🎓 Eligible fields include Electrical, Electronics, Computer, Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace, Biomedical, Environmental Engineering, Computer Science, AI, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Telecommunications, Physics, Mathematics, Materials Science, Technology Policy, and other engineering or applied science disciplines.
- 📝 Fellows’ responsibilities include evaluating legislation, researching emerging technologies, preparing congressional briefings, writing policy documents, advising committees, and supporting stakeholder meetings.
- ✅ Eligibility Requirements:
- 📌 Current IEEE membership
- 📍 Ability to relocate to Washington, D.C.
- 🔬 Strong background in science, engineering, or technology
- ✍️ Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- 🏛️ Genuine interest in public policy and government
- 👨💼 Around 7 years of professional experience is generally expected for the Electric Grid Policy Fellowship.
Designation
IEEE-USA Government Fellow (Congressional Fellow, Engineering & Diplomacy Fellow, or Congressional Electric Grid Policy Fellow).
Key Details
| Feature | Details |
| Offered by | IEEE-USA |
| Award Type | Funded Fellowship |
| Duration | 12 Months (1 September 2027 – 31 August 2028) |
| Stipend | ~$95,000 |
| Relocation Allowance | ~$5,000 |
| Total Funding | ~$100,000 |
| Country | United States (Washington, D.C.) |
Research & Policy Areas
Fellows contribute technical expertise to various critical fields, including:
- Congressional: Science and technology policy, legislation drafting, committee hearing preparation, and policy research.
- Engineering & Diplomacy: Science diplomacy, international technology cooperation, cybersecurity, and global innovation.
- Electric Grid Policy: Grid modernization, renewable energy integration, transmission planning, and energy infrastructure security.
Location
Washington, D.C., United States.
Eligibility & Qualifications
To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following core requirements:
- Membership: Must be an active IEEE member in good standing at the time of application.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of application (or prior to selection).
- Education: Must hold a Ph.D. OR a master’s degree with a minimum of five years of full-time professional work experience. (Exceptions may be considered for candidates with extraordinary experience).
- Skills: Strong science, engineering, or technology background; excellent verbal and written communication skills; and a demonstrated interest in public policy.
Job Description
Fellows are not “employees” of Congress or IEEE; instead, they serve as high-level advisors. Their duties include:
- Assessing and drafting proposed legislation.
- Advising Members of Congress or federal officials on complex technical issues.
- Translating intricate engineering concepts into actionable policy recommendations.
- Conducting research and preparing technical policy briefs for committees and offices.
- Supporting international diplomatic efforts related to science and technology (for Diplomacy track).
How to Apply
Interested candidates should monitor the official IEEE-USA Government Fellowship website. Applications typically open several months before the start date. Candidates are encouraged to review the Program Policies and Procedures provided by IEEE-USA to ensure they meet all criteria before applying.
Last Date to Apply
The deadline for the 2027–2028 fellowship cycle is 8 January 2027 (12:00 PM ET).
Disclaimer: Please verify all eligibility criteria and application instructions directly through the official IEEE-USA website to ensure you have the most current information.
