Government Fellows Program

Congressional Fellow Application and Program Details
Deadline: March 15 (for fellowships beginning in September)

Executive Fellow Application and Program Details
Deadline: March 15 (for fellowships beginning in September)

Learn more about the ION's Government Fellows Program ...

At your next ION Section meeting, show the ION's new presentation detailing the ION Government Fellows Program: PowerPoint Fellow Presentation [PPT File, 1.15MB]

What is the ION Government Fellows Program?

The Government Fellows Program is designed to offer ION members a unique educational experience while providing the government a resource of technical experience and private sector perspectives that we hope will help foster effective public policy on the issues that affect our society and our profession.

What Fellowship Opportunities are available?

Congressional Fellow:

Serves as a Science and Technology staffer for a Member of Congress or a Congressional Committee
Outgoing Congressional Fellow can assist incoming fellow in identifying opportunities

Executive Fellow:

Serves as a Science and Technology advisor in an Executive Department
There are known opportunities within State and Commerce Departments

What does a Congressional/Executive Fellow do?
Support a member of Congress, or Department, or Committee:

Typically one calendar year
An extension of up to 3 months may be authorized by the ION Council

Activities include:

Providing unbiased advice on science and technology policy
Preparing for and attending congressional and agency hearings
Assisting with creation of legislation
Attending meetings and briefings
Researching issues
Conducting correspondence with constituents and others
Preparing talking points for TV interviews and public speeches
Interacting with lobbyists, special interest groups, state visitors, etc.

What are the obligations of an ION Congressional/Executive Fellow?

The Fellow’s first allegiance is to the Member or Department or Committee where he/she serves

You are an insider
You will not lobby in behalf of any outside agency, person or organization
You will protect confidential proceedings and discussions from untimely disclosure

The Fellow reports to the ION:

Attends semi-annual ION Council meetings
Writes a quarterly column for the ION Newsletter
Provides timely reports to ION and offers a “heads-up” on pending legislation or executive actions of interest to the ION membership (subject to confidentiality constraints)

What have previous ION Government Fellows done?

Click on a name to read the reports submitted to the ION by the fellow:

Phil Ward, 2000-2001: Served with Senator James Imhofe (R-OK). Influenced policy on GPS “NAVWAR” and RFI attributable to UWB services.
Clark Cohen, 2001-2002: Served with Senator Carl Levin (D-MICH). Advised on "CAFE" and investigated “Special Purpose Entities” established between banks and Enron, Inc.
Bill Klepczynski, 2003-2005: Executive Fellow, placed with U.S. Department of State.
Marie Lage, 2003-2004: Congressional Fellow, placed with Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME).

Follow the links below to read the reports of these and other past fellows, plus the reports from fellows currently serving in Washington, DC.

Who is Eligible?

The following guidelines are used in the selection of ION Government Fellows:

At least EIGHT YEARS responsible experience in navigation or engineering programs
- Industry, University, Consulting
- OR six years + MS in engineering or qualified science
- OR three years + Doctoral degree
U.S. Citizen
ION member when application is filed
Application filed by March 15
Selection Committee interviews: Before or during ION Annual Meeting

What costs are covered?

Transportation, lodging, and tuition for the AAAS Orientation Session
Relocation to Washington, DC and return after completing service. Up to $8,000 for two-way expenses.
Stipend of $68,360, paid monthly over one calendar year.
Travel, lodging, and registration fees for attendance at ION ITM and Spring meetings

Send applications and requests for more information to:

Government Fellows Selection Committee
The Institute of Navigation
8551 Rixlew Lane, Suite 360
Manassas, Virginia 20109
Fax: 703-366-2724
E-mail: membership@ion.org

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