The American Educational Research Association invites applications for the AERA Congressional Fellowship Program. This fellowship program offers a valuable professional development opportunity by embedding high-quality education researchers in congressional offices and reflects AERA’s commitment to expand the reach, accessibility and visibility of education research to policy makers and the public. 

The aim of the program is to provide education researchers with an opportunity to participate first-hand in the policymaking process. Fellows work on the staff of a member of Congress or a congressional committee. The fellowship also provides an opportunity for fellows to contribute their scientific expertise on issues central to the priorities and agendas of members of Congress.

The Congressional Fellowship Program will bring up to three doctorate-level education researchers to Washington, DC each year to work closely with policymakers and staff on Capitol Hill. AERA seeks candidates across career stages, areas of research specialization, and work sectors with a solid foundation and accomplishments in research (appropriate to career stage) and interests in policymaking and public service.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, disability status) and levels of experience (e.g., recent doctorates, early career researchers, faculty or research scientists on leave or sabbatical) are encouraged to consider this professional development opportunity.

AERA Congressional Fellows benefit from a comprehensive two-week orientation as well as professional development and networking opportunities throughout the year. AERA partners with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) that administers these professional development activities to AERA fellows and fellows of other research societies. AERA also provides additional professional development and networking opportunities targeted specifically to education researchers.

Eligibility Requirements:

• All doctorate requirements completed (defense, all signatures received and final text approved and submitted) by May 15, 2021.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Member of AERA at time of application
• Not a Federal Employee. Holding a Title 42 position is considered federal employment.  Postdoctoral positions at any government agency or lab, for private contractors, or in state or local government agencies are not considered federal employees.

Term of Fellowship

• All fellowships begin on September 1 and end on August 31 of the following year.
• All fellowships are located in a congressional office in Washington, DC.
• All fellowships require attendance at the AERA Annual Meeting during that year.

Fellowship Support

• A 12-month stipend of $70,000 for fellows with 0-7 years of postdoctoral, full-time employment as of September 1; a stipend of $80,000 for fellows with more than 7 years of postdoctoral, full-time employment by September 1.
• Reimbursement for uncovered health insurance up to $3,500 for the 12-month year.
• Reimbursement up to $2,500 for relocation expenses and/or professional development during the fellowship year.
• Travel, lodging, and registration covered by AERA to attend the AERA Annual Meeting.

Application Requirements

• Complete AERA Congressional Fellow application
• Upload Curriculum Vitae within application system.
• Have three letters of recommendation sent directly to congressionalfellows@aera.net. 

How to Apply

• Applications should be submitted through the AERA website starting February 10, 2021.
• Complete applications are due to AERA by 11:59 pm PT, March 19, 2021.
• Inquiries may be directed to congressionalfellows@aera.net.

Primary Program Contact

• Lori Diane Hill, Associate Executive Director for Programs and Policy, x229

View AERA's webinar, "Sharing Education Research on Capitol Hill," here.

Read the May 2019 AERA Highlights story about the two congressional fellows for 2019-20 here 
Read the June 2018 AERA Highlights story about the two congressional fellows for 2018-19 here
Read the June 2017 AERA Highlights story about the 2017-2018 class of congressional fellows here
Read the June 2016 AERA Highlights story about the first congressional fellow here
Read the December 2015 AERA Highlights story announcing the fellowship here
View the AERA congressional fellowship flyer here