Order Code 98-654 C
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Internships and Fellowships:
Congressional, Federal, and Other
Work Experience Opportunities
Updated June 26, 2001
Susan Watkins Greenfield
Information Research Specialist
Information Research Division
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

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Internships and Fellowships:
Congressional, Federal, and Other
Work Experience Opportunities
Summary
To assist congressional offices in responding to requests for information about
internships, fellowships, and other work experience programs, CRS has prepared this
report on congressional internships, as well as internships in the federal government’s
executive and judicial branches. This report provides names of organizations, like the
American Association for the Advancement of Science, which sponsors fellowships
on Capitol Hill. This report lists Internet sites on internships and fellowships, such as
the Smithsonian Institution’s World Wide Web site on internships. At the end is a list
of books with additional sources of information on internships, fellowships, and
summer jobs. These publications can be used to identify additional work experience
opportunities inside and outside the federal government. This report will be updated
at least yearly.

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Contents
Congressional Internships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
LBJ (Lyndon B. Johnson) Congressional Intern Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Other Internships in Members’ Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Internships in Congressional Committees and Organizations . . . . . . . . . . 2
Congressional Internships Offered by Universities and
Private Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Internships in Congressional Support Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Other Federal Government Internships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Fellowships in the Federal Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Electronic Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

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Internships and Fellowships:
Congressional, Federal, and Other
Work Experience Opportunities
In response to many requests about congressional internships, other federal
government internships, and congressional, judicial, and presidential fellowships, we
compiled this report. Included is a guide to more sources of information on
internships, fellowships, and summer jobs. This guide can be used to locate other
work experiences, both inside and outside the federal government. The publications
listed may be purchased, or they may be available for use in local libraries or high
school or college guidance offices.
Although the terms “fellowship” and “internship” are sometimes used
interchangeably in the names of specific programs, this report differentiates between
fellowship and internship work experiences in the federal government. Fellowships
generally are intended for persons with advanced degrees or substantial professional
experience and are usually salaried positions lasting 9 months to a year or more.
Internships, which are either salaried or volunteer short-term arrangements, usually
require relatively little experience and are often filled by students. In addition, some
programs which are called internships do not actually place persons in federal jobs.
Any such programs described below are distinguished from internship programs which
provide federal work experience.
Applying for an internship or fellowship is similar to applying for admission to
a college or university. Check directories to see what programs are available (see the
“Bibliography” section below); decide what type of internship or fellowship might
be of interest; then write or telephone the sponsor for additional information and an
application. Because competition is stiff in many internship and fellowship programs,
with applicants often greatly exceeding the number of positions available, it is
worthwhile to apply to more than one program.
Congressional Internships
Congressional internships are available both through Members of Congress and
private organizations, and they are extremely competitive. Members of the House of
Representatives and the Senate, congressional committees, and other congressional
groups such as caucuses and study groups may appoint a person to their regular staffs
and designate that person as an intern, or volunteers may be designated as interns.
The duties, responsibilities, and salaries (if any) of interns vary from office to
office. Some interns are given routine office positions as clerks or messengers, while
those in other offices may conduct legislative research.

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CRS-2
LBJ (Lyndon B. Johnson) Congressional Intern Program
In 1973, H.Res. 420 created the term “LBJ Congressional Intern,” and
authorized each Representative to hire up to two LBJ interns per year. However, it
did not require Representatives to use this title when hiring interns. In May 1994, the
program was suspended due to reductions in legislative branch employment levels.
However, Representatives can still sponsor unpaid interns who work on a
voluntary basis. Volunteers are not counted on the House payroll and do not
contribute to overall employment levels. Some Members may pay interns out of their
regular office budgets. This option is only possible if a Member has not already
reached the limit of 22 staffers and has funds available.
Other Internships in Members’ Offices
Internships are available in many Members’ offices. Descriptions of some of
these opportunities are found in the publication entitled Internships in Congress (see
the “Bibliography” section below).
Application for an internship in a specific Member’s office should be made
through the individual Senator or Representative. Members of Congress should be
addressed as follows:
Honorable __________
Honorable __________
U.S. Senate
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20510
Washington, D.C. 20515
Tel: (202) 224-3121 (ask for Member)
Inquiries may also be addressed to congressional district offices. These addresses can
be located in standard reference sources such as the Congressional Directory, which
is available in many libraries and at this Internet address:
[http://www.access.gpo.gov/congress/browse-cd-99.html].
Internships in Congressional Committees and Organizations
Application for an internship with a congressional committee, an informal
congressional group, or a legislative party organization should be made to the body
or to individual Members of the committee or organization. Congressional
committees and organizations are addressed as follows:
[Name of committee, etc.]
[Name of committee, etc.]
U.S. Senate
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20510
Washington, D.C. 20515
Tel: (202) 224-3121 (ask for committee or organization)
Several congressional committees and caucuses which have longstanding intern
programs are listed below:
House Committee on the Budget

House Democratic Caucus

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CRS-3
House Republican Policy Committee
Republican Policy Committee (Senate)
Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee
Other congressional bodies may also have internship opportunities available.
Congressional committees and organizations covering various subject areas can be
identified in such reference sources as the Congressional Directory (Washington,
GPO); the Congressional Staff Directory (Washington, CQ Press); the Congressional
Yellow Book (Washington, Leadership Directories); and the Washington Information
Directory (Washington, Congressional Quarterly). For information on congressional
caucuses, study groups, and other informal congressional organizations, the
Congressional Yellow Book is particularly useful. One or more of these reference
works can be consulted in many local public or research libraries.
Congressional Internships Offered by Universities and Private
Organizations
In addition to internships available directly from Members of Congress and
congressional committees, various universities and private organizations offer
programs which place interns in congressional offices. Some of these programs also
place interns in other federal government agencies. Students should check with their
own colleges and universities to see if they operate congressional intern programs.
School placement offices can be useful sources of such listings, along with electronic
bulletin boards or World Wide Web sites.
Internships in Congressional Support Agencies
The three congressional support agencies listed below offer internships. Interns
are not placed in congressional offices but instead work in these organizations, which
provide research support and information to the Congress.
Congressional Budget Office
Note:
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provides Congress with budget-
related information and explains possible budget ramifications of proposed
bills reported by congressional committees. College students and recent
college graduates can apply for paid 10-week summer internships in which
they would work on analyses in CBO’s various divisions.
Contact: Congressional Budget Office, 410 Ford House Office Building,
Washington, D.C. 20515
Tel: (202) 226-2628
Internet: [http://www.cbo.gov/jobs.html]
Congressional Research Service
Note:
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a legislative branch research
agency which provides information upon request to Members and
committees. Volunteer interns assist CRS staff in responding to public
policy related inquiries. This program is open to college undergraduates,
graduate students, post-graduate students, faculty, and other professionals.

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CRS-4
Contact: Michael Pearse, Office of Workforce Development,Congressional Research
Service, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue, S.E., LM-208,
Washington, D.C. 20540-7100
Tel: (202) 707-8823
Internet: [http://www.loc.gov/crsinfo]
E-mail:Mpearse@crs.loc.gov
General Accounting Office
Note:
The General Accounting Office (GAO) is a congressional auditing and
investigative agency that makes recommendations for more effective
government operations. College students may be selected to serve as paid
or volunteer interns for up to 16 weeks.
Contact: General Accounting Office, Office of Recruitment, Room 1165, 441 G
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20548
Internet: [http://www.gao.gov]
Tel: (202) 512-6092
Other Federal Government Internships
Federal agency internships are very popular and highly competitive. Many
agencies hire seasonal employees for the summer. Those seeking such jobs should
realize that hiring in federal agencies is decentralized, which means that each agency
generally hires staff through its own personnel office. Candidates should identify
agencies appropriate to their interests by using standard reference directories, and
apply directly to the appropriate personnel offices.
Students working toward undergraduate or graduate degrees, technical school
certificates, or high school diplomas are eligible for the U.S. Office of Personnel
Management (OPM) Student Educational Employment Program, which provides
federal job opportunities to students through the Student Temporary Employment
Program (STEP) and the Student Career Experience Program (SCEP). For more
information on either program, students should contact their school’s guidance office
or the career planning and placement office or the employment office in the federal
agency in which the student is interested in working. Additional information on STEP
and SCEP is available on the OPM Web site at
[http://www.opm.gov/employ/students/intro.htm].
On July 10, 2000, OPM announced a new Federal Career Intern Program.
Established by Executive Order 13162, this program is designed to help agencies
recruit and attract highly qualified people into various occupations. It is intended for
positions at grade levels GS-5, GS-7, and GS-9. Generally, people are appointed to
a 2-year internship. After successfully completing the internship, the intern may be
eligible for a permanent job within an agency. Those interested in Career Intern
opportunities must contact specific agencies directly. Additional details about the
program and OPM’s December 14, 2000, interim regulations governing it are
available on the OPM Web site at [http://www.opm.gov/careernintern/index.htm].
Other established internship programs within the federal government can be
found by using publications listed in the bibliography. However, persons can also
“create” internships by contacting relevant federal offices and inquiring about
internship possibilities. Addresses and telephone numbers of government departments

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CRS-5
and agencies and information about them appear in the United States Government
Manual (Washington, GPO). This work is available in many libraries and on the
GAO Web site at [http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/browse-gm-00.html].
Other useful resources include the Washington Information Directory
(Washington, CQ Press), the Federal Yellow Book (Washington, Leadership
Directories); the Federal Staff Directory and Judicial Staff Directory (Washington,
CQ Press); and Carroll’s Federal Directory and Carroll’s Federal Regional
Directory (Bethesda, MD, Carroll Publishing). Detailed subject and keyword indexes
in these works help in identifying government offices in specific subject fields and
professions. One or more of the directories can often be used in larger libraries.
Persons interested in setting up internships should contact the relevant federal offices
directly.
Fellowships in the Federal Government
The following selected programs place fellowship recipients, generally for one-
year terms, in congressional offices, federal agencies, or the Supreme Court of the
United States. Congressional programs predominate in the listing; placement is in
Member or committee offices unless otherwise noted. One may also wish to contact
individual federal agencies about additional fellowship programs. The works in the
previous section can be used to identify relevant federal offices.
Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program
Contact: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, 1000 Independence Avenue,
S.W., Washington, D.C. 20585
Tel: (202) 586-6549
Internet: [http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/EINSTEIN/index.htm]
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)—Congressional
Science and Engineering Fellowships
Note:
Also coordinates science and engineering fellowships sponsored by other
professional societies.
Contact: American Association for the Advancement of Science, AAAS Science and
Engineering Fellowship Program, 1200 New York Avenue, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel: (202) 326-6700
Internet: [http://fellowships.aaas.org]
American Chemical Society—Congressional Fellowship Program
Contact: Congressional Fellowship Program, Office of Legislative & Government
Affairs, American Chemical Society, 1155 16th Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 452-8917
Internet: [http://www.acs.org:80/localsections/cp0599.doc]
American Geophysical Union—Congressional Science Fellowship Program
Contact: American Geophysical Union, 2000 Florida Avenue, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20009
Tel: (202) 462-6900
Internet: [http://www.agu.org/inside/fellnom.html]

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CRS-6
American Physical Society (APS) and American Institute of Physics
(AIP)—Congressional Science Fellowship Program
Contact: APS and AIP Congressional Science Fellowship Programs, Executive
Officer, American Physical Society, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD
20740-3844
(AIP) Tel: (301) 209-3094
Internet: [http://www.aps.org/fellowship/]
(APS) Tel: (301) 209-3269
American Political Science Association—Congressional Fellowship Program
Contact: American Political Science Association, 1527 New Hampshire Avenue,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036-1206
Tel: (202) 483-2512
Internet: [http://www.apsanet.org/]
American Psychological Association—Congressional Fellowship Program
Contact: American Psychological Association, Public Policy Office, 750 First Street,
N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002-4242
Tel: (202) 336-6062
Internet: [http://www.apa.org/ppo/fellow.html]
American Society for Microbiology—Congressional Science Fellow Program
Contact: American Society for Microbiology, Office of Public Affairs, 1752 N
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 942-9209
Internet: [http://www.asmusa.org/pasrc/fellowsh.htm]
American Society of Mechanical Engineers—Federal Government Fellowship
Program
Contact: American Society of Mechanical Engineers International, 1828 L Street,
N.W., Suite 906, Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: (202) 785-3756
Internet: [http://www.asme.org/gric/fedfellow.html]
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc.—Fellowship Program/Summer
Internship Program
Contact: Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc., 504 C Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20002
Tel: (202) 543-1771
Internet: [http://www.chci.org/]
Graduate School, U.S. Department of Agriculture—Congressional Fellowship
Program
Note:
Places senior-level federal personnel (GS 13-GS15 and uniformed services
equivalents) in 6-month fellowships in congressional offices.
Contact: Leadership Development Academy, Graduate School, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, 600 Maryland Avenue S.W., Suite 330, Washington, D.C.
20024-2520
Tel: (202) 314-3578
Internet: [http://grad.usda.gov/programs_services/lda/cfp.cfm]
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers—Government Fellowship
Programs
Contact: Government Fellows Committee, Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers, 1828 L Street, N.W., Suite 1202, Washington, D.C. 20036-
5104
Internet: [http://www.ieeeusa.org/forum/GOVFEL]
Tel: (202) 785-0017

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CRS-7
Jacob K. Javits Fellowship Program
Contact: Jacob J. Javits Fellowship Program, Higher Education Programs, U.S.
Department of Education, 1990 K Street, N.W., 6th Floor, Washington,
D.C. 20006-8521
Tel: (202)502-7700
Internet: [http://ed.gov/offices/OPE/HEP/iegps/javits.html]
Judicial Fellows Program
Note:
Places mid-career professionals, including non-attorneys, for a calendar
year term in the U.S. Supreme Court, the Federal Judicial Center, the
Administrative Office of the United States Courts, or the U.S. Sentencing
Commission.
Contact: Judicial Fellows Program, Office of the Administrative Assistant to the
Chief Justice, Room 5, Supreme Court of the United States, Washington,
D.C. 20543
Tel: (202) 479-3415
Internet: [http://www.fellows.supremecourtus.gov]
Judicial Intern Program
Note:
Geared toward advanced undergraduates and graduating college seniors
interested in law, management, or social sciences. Unpaid multi-month
internships are offered.
Contact: Judicial Fellows Program, Office of the Administrative Assistant to the
Chief Justice, Room 5, Supreme Court of the United States, Washington,
D.C. 20543
Tel: (202) 479-3415
LEGIS Fellows Program
Note:
Places executive branch personnel in fellowships in congressional offices.
Contact: Brookings Institution, LEGIS Fellows Program, Center for Public Policy
Education, 1775 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036
Internet: [http://brook.edu/cppe/fellows/legis_fellow.htm]
Tel: (202) 797-6094
Morris K. Udall Foundation—Ph.D. Fellowships
Note:
Provides funds to support full-time students expecting to receive
doctorates by the end of the academic year in the completion of
dissertations on environmental policy and environmental conflict resolution.
All course work, preliminary exams, and dissertation approval must be
completed.
Contact: Morris K. Udall Foundation Fellowship Program, 2201 North Dodge
Street, Iowa City, IA 52243-4030
Tel: (319) 341-2332
Internet: [http://www.udall.gov/p_fellowships.htm]
Morris K. Udall Foundation—Native American Congressional Summer
Internship Program
Note:
Places Native American college students in congressional offices and the
White House for 10-week periods.
Contact: Morris K. Udall Foundation Internship Program, 110 South Church
Avenue,
Suite 3350, Tucson, AZ 85701
Tel: (520) 670-5529
Internet: [http://www.udall.gov/p_internships.htm]

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CRS-8
Presidential Management Intern Program
Note:
Places graduate students from a variety of disciplines in federal agency
assignments for 2-year appointments.
Contact: U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Presidential Management Intern
Program (Attn: Lorraine Romano), Philadelphia Service Center, William
J. Green, Jr. Federal Building, 600 Arch Street, Room 3400, Philadelphia,
PA 19106-1596
Tel: (215) 861-3066
Internet: [http://www.pmi.opm.gov]
White House Fellowships
Note:
Intended for young professionals who have demonstrated academic and
professional excellence. Places recipients in a cabinet-level agency, the
Executive Office of the President, the Vice President’s office, or in smaller
agencies for a one-year internship.
Contact: President’s Commission on White House Fellowships, 712 Jackson Place,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20503
Tel: (202) 395-4522
Internet: [http://www.whitehousefellows.gov]
Women’s Research and Education Institute—Congressional Fellowships
Note:
Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to obtain an application.
Contact: WREI Congressional Fellowship Program, Women’s Research and
Education Institute, 1750 New York Avenue, N.W., Suite 350,
Washington, D.C. 20006
Tel: (202) 628-0444
Internet: [http://www.wrei.org/fellowships/]
Electronic Resources
By using the Internet, it is possible to identify and find out about many current
internship and fellowship opportunities. Researchers may be able to use the Internet
in large public or research libraries, and students may have access through their
college or university libraries. Because up-to-date information is critical when
applying, the Internet can provide current descriptions of internship and fellowships
and find deadlines, application materials, and other relevant details. Since the Internet
offers a wealth of materials in such fields as career guidance, summer job
opportunities, etc., this selective list of Web sites provides a starting point for those
seeking data on available programs.
Action Without Borders [http://www.idealist.org]
A non-profit organization that promotes action on numerous issues of concern,
Action Without Borders’ Web site offers a database of internships with non-profits
and with consultants and firms serving the non-profit sector. These are arranged by
field of interest, geographical region, etc., and summaries of available opportunities
are provided.
Inroads [http://www.inroadsinc.org]
This St. Louis-based organization matches minority youth with summer
internships in business and industry.

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CRS-9
International Study and Travel Center [http://www.istc.umn.edu/]
This site contains information on service and internship opportunities in
developing countries and Eastern Europe.
Smithsonian Fellowship/Internship Opportunities
[http://www.si.edu/cms/#interns]
Information is provided on fellowships and internships at the Smithsonian
Institution’s museums and research institutes.
Washington Center [http://www.twc.edu/internships/index.htm]
This organization arranges off-campus internships in the Washington, D.C., area
for college students from all majors in government agencies, corporations, and non-
profit organizations.
Bibliography
This selective bibliography lists more sources of information on internships,
fellowships, and summer job and service opportunities. The publications can be used
to locate additional work experience opportunities, both inside and outside the federal
government. The works may be available in local libraries or school or college
guidance offices. Publisher contact information is also provided. Notes identify
publications which are issued annually. Other publications are updated irregularly;
check with the publishers for information on the latest editions. Some of the
publishers have Web sites, which are provided.
America’s Top Internships. New York: Random House, Inc. Annual.
Selected internships in fields ranging from law and government to
publishing, finance, and education are described in this guide. Based on surveys
and interviews, each internship program is rated on selectivity, compensation,
and participants’ quality of life. Indexes by geographic area and field of study
are provided.
Available from: Random House, Inc., 400 Hahn Road, Westminster, MD
21157; Tel: (800) 726-0600
[http://www.randomhouse.com]
Bailey, Nancy R., and Reham Botros. National Directory of Internships. Alexandria,
VA, National Society for Experiential Education, 1998-99.
This directory describes internships in more than 85 fields of interest that
are offered by non-profit organizations, government agencies, and corporations.
The programs are aimed at a wide array of individuals ranging from college and
graduate students to mid-career professionals and retirees.
Available from Pearson Custom Publishing, 75 Arlington Street, Suite 300,
Boston, MA 02116; Tel: (800) 428-4466
[http://www.nsee.org/publ.htm]

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CRS-10
Congressional Intern Handbook. Washington, U.S. House of Representatives.
Annual.
This guidebook is geared to persons already accepted as congressional
interns. It provides background information on the structure of Congress, office
rules and procedures and resources on Capitol Hill, as well as building maps.
Available from: U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on House
Administration, 1309 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C.
20515-6157; Tel: (202) 225-8281
Encyclopedia of Associations. Detroit, Gale Group, Inc. Annual.
This annual publication can be used to locate organizations by subject area.
When standard internship directories contain no entries for internships in a
specific field, relevant organizations may be able to suggest contacts for
internship opportunities. This work can be found in many libraries in print, on
a CD-ROM, or in the Associations Unlimited subscription database on the
World Wide Web.
Available from: The Gale Group, 27500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI
48331-3535; Tel: (800) 877-4253
[http://www.gale.com]
Gilbert, Sara D. Internships: The Hotlist for Job Hunters. 2nd ed. Indianapolis, IDG
Books Worldwide, 1996.
This publication lists more than 25,000 opportunities for internships with
cultural, business, public, and service organizations. Arranged by subject, this
directory includes indexes by region and by organization, as well as a list of
useful organizations for national networking.
Available from: IDG Books Worldwide, 7260 Shadeland Station, Suite
100, Indianapolis, IN 46256; Tel: (800) 762-2974
Opportunities in Public Affairs. Bethesda, MD, Brubach Publishing.
This semi-monthly publication announces internship and fellowship
positions with the federal government, non-profit organizations, institutes, print
and broadcast media, and the private sector.
Available from: Brubach Publishing, P.O. Box 34949, Bethesda, MD
20827-0949; Tel: (301) 571-0102
[http://www.brubach.com]
Peterson’s Internships. Princeton, NJ, Peterson’s Guides. Annual.
Listed here are profiles of more than 50,000 short-term intern positions in
27 career fields. It includes indexes by geographic area, field of interest, and
employer name. Also provided is a section on internship referral and placement
services. This work is generally available in bookstores.
Available from: Peterson’s Guides, P.O. Box 2123, Princeton, NJ 08543-
2123; Tel: (800) 338-3282
[http://www.petersons.com]

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CRS-11
Summer Jobs for Students. Princeton, NJ, Peterson’s Guides. Annual.
Provided in this directory are state-by-state listings of more than 55,000
summer work experiences available to students, teachers, and others in a variety
of fields. The index includes access to opportunities for interns/volunteers.
Available from: Peterson’s Guides, P.O. Box 67005, Lawrenceville, NJ
08648-6105 ; Tel: (800) 338-3282
[http://www.petersons.com]

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