ACS Public Policy Fellowship Programs
ACS has five types of Public Policy Fellowship programs:
- Congressional Fellowship
- NOBCChE-ACS Congressional Fellowship
- Science Policy Fellowship
- Science and Diplomacy Fellowship
- WISE Summer Internships
The same application is used for the Congressional, the NOBCChE-ACS Congressional, and the Science Policy fellowships. Applicants are asked to identify if they are applying for one, two or all three programs.
The Science and Diplomacy Fellowship and the WISE Internships have separate application portals.
ACS is soliciting applications for all five programs for the 2027 cycle.
Congressional and Science Policy Fellowships
The same application is used for the Congressional, the NOBCChE-ACS Congressional, and the Science Policy fellowships. Applicants are asked to identify if they are applying for one, two or all three programs.
ACS Science Policy Fellowship
SPFs learn how government decisions and emerging trends affect science and chemistry, communicate those impacts to ACS leadership and members, and ensure that the needs of the scientific community are represented in public policy discussions. SPFs also conduct a fellowship project based on their interests.
The ACS Science Policy Fellowship includes:
- Ongoing professional development and support activities, including educational seminars and networking opportunities, that continue throughout the program.
- Salary, allowances for relocation, travel and professional development, and ACS employee benefit package
Eligibility: Fellows may be entry-level PhDs or experienced professionals from academia, industry, or non-profits.
The ACS Congressional Fellowship, the joint NOBCChE-ACS Congressional Fellowship, and the ACS Science Policy Fellowship Applicants share the same application. Applicants are asked to identify if they are applying for one, two or all three fellowship positions. Applications are reviewed by former ACS Public Policy Fellows and members of ACS and NOBCChE.
ACS and NOBCChE-ACS Congressional Fellowships
Three Congressional Fellowship positions are available. Two Congressional Fellows will be selected by ACS. New in 2027, ACS has partnered with the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) to create an additional Congressional Fellowship position for dual NOBCChE-ACS members.
The Congressional Fellowships are part of a broader effort administered by AAAS that places more than 30 scientists per year in Congress. The program has two main goals: to provide policymakers with high-quality information on science-related issues and to educate scientists on how government works and how science policy is made.
Congressional Fellows work on the Congressional staff of their choice; placement support is provided by ACS, NOBCChE for the joint fellowship, and AAAS. Fellows typically serve as legislative assistants, advising on a range of science policy issues and interacting with constituents. Former fellows have covered issues as diverse as federal funding for scientific research, science education, and health policy.
Congressional Fellowships include:
- An intensive two-week orientation that provides an overview of the federal policy-making process and establishes context for the Fellowship positions.
- Ongoing professional development and support activities, including educational seminars and networking opportunities that continue throughout the program.
- Annual stipend, reimbursements for relocation, professional development, and healthcare expenses
Fellowships start in September; however, the Congressional Fellowship start date may be delayed until January at the Fellow’s request.
The ACS Congressional Fellowship, the joint NOBCChE-ACS Congressional Fellowship, and the ACS Science Policy Fellowship share the same application. Applicants are asked to identify if they are applying for one, two or all three fellowship positions. Applications are reviewed by former ACS Public Policy Fellows and members of ACS and NOBCChE.
Science and Diplomacy Fellowship
The ACS Science and Diplomacy Fellowship has two main goals: to provide policymakers with high-quality information on science-related issues and to educate scientists on how government works and how science policy is made. The selected candidate will work with ACS and the U.S. State Department to select a placement office of the Fellow’s choice.
The Fellowship includes:
- An intensive two-week orientation that provides an overview of the federal policy-making process and establishes context for the Fellowship positions.
- Ongoing professional development and support activities, including educational seminars and networking opportunities, continue throughout the program.
- Annual stipend, reimbursements for relocation, professional development, and healthcare expenses
Eligibility: Fellows may be entry-level PhDs or experienced professionals from academia, industry, or non-profits. Applicants for the ACS Science and Diplomacy fellowship must be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance.
Applications will be reviewed by ACS members, former ACS Public Policy Fellows, and current and former State Department personnel.
Washington Internships for Students of Engineering (WISE) Summer Internships
ACS is sponsoring four undergraduate students to participate in the WISE 9-week summer internship program in Washington, D.C. administered by IEEE-USA. ACS members will join students from other engineering societies to explore how scientists and engineers can contribute to public policy. Interns will also conduct an independent research project on a science policy issue.
WISE seeks applications from exceptional ACS student members who display evidence of leadership skills and have a keen interest in public policy.
The WISE Summer 2027 program dates are June 6-August 7, 2027. Participants must be able to commit to the entire program period.
WISE interns will receive a stipend to assist with living and travel expenses and are eligible for program-sponsored dormitory housing.
Eligibility: The WISE Summer Internship is open to 3rd and 4th year undergraduate students or recent graduates with ACS membership. Interns must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
The deadline to apply for the Summer 2027 is February 15, 2027.
Process
1. Login
Click on the "Login" link to the right and login to the application with your ACS ID. (Don’t have an ACS ID? Don’t worry; you can create one on the login page.)
2. Select
Select the fellowships you wish to apply to.
3. Create
Create your online application. For a list of required information and attachments, please review the Award Application Guide
4. Apply
Finish the application by completing the required fields in each of the application sections. Applicants can proceed from section to section by selecting Next Tab >> in the middle of the screen.
5. Save
During the Applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a 
appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the 
icon in the Application Summary section.
6. Submit
On completion, save your Nomination as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column. Note: If an update is required prior to the Call for Applications period, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.
If you require assistance or additional information, please contact the Program Administrator.
Login
Contact Us
American Chemical SocietyPolicy Fellowship Programs
Government Affairs
1155 Sixteenth St, NW
Washington, DC, 20036
Phone: 1-202-872-4098
Email: congfellow@acs.org
