Program Overview
The Idaho State University (ISU) Federal Policy D.C. Fellowship Program is an intensive 4-day fellowship managed by the ISU Office for Research.
Key Objectives:
- Student Career Placement: Boost competitiveness for D.C.-based internships and full-time employment across Congress, federal agencies, and policy organizations.
- Direct Access: Connect directly with Idaho's Congressional delegation (Chiefs of Staff and intern coordinators); key Idaho and national stakeholders such as ISU’s DC-based federal relations team, Capitol Counsel, LLC and other key ISU partners such as Ruveon (Bayer Group), and Idaho National Laboratory; and, ISU alumni currently working in Federal government roles.
- Elevating ISU Visibility: Expand alumni networking in Washington, D.C., and strengthen ISU's institutional profile in federal policy.
- Practical Insights: Gain firsthand knowledge of congressional office dynamics, legislative staff roles, and public service career pathways.
Application Process & Guidelines
- Target Group: Up to 4 upper-level undergraduate or graduate students across all academic disciplines.
- 2026 Application Deadline: October 12, 2026.
- Selection Interviews: October 15, 2026 (10-minute in-person interviews for semi-finalists)
- Requirements: Written responses to 3 questions (max 1,500 characters each) covering interest in the fellowship, target policy areas, and long-term career goals.
- Student Cost Responsibility: $500 total ($350 participation fee to cover group activities + $150 estimated for local travel, meals, and personal expenses). Travel scholarships are provided by ISU and co-sponsoring partners.
- TENTATIVE DC Visit Outline: Review the 2026 Pilot Program Outline.
For detailed Q&A, access the official Application FAQ Document.
- Q: How much interaction will fellows have with congressional staff?
- A: Fellows meet with staff across each Idaho delegation office, attend the Idaho Industry Breakfast, meet with Hill office intern coordinators and Chiefs of Staff, and network 1:1 with ISU alumni currently working on Capitol Hill and executive branch agencies.
- Q: Will this fellowship help secure future D.C. internships or employment?
- A: Yes. A primary goal is creating direct personal connections with hiring managers and decision-makers in federal offices.
- Q: What is meant by "alignment with D.C. career pathways"?
- A: A demonstrated interest in federal policy or public service careers (Legislative or executive branch, or federal judicial pathways). State or local policy interest alone is not the primary focus.
- Q: Is this program a good fit for pre-law students?
- A: Absolutely. Legal and policy connections made during the trip directly support federal-level public service career goals.
Fellows complete pre-visit preparation seminars and targeted readings prior to the DC visit. Examples include:
- Federal Legislative Foundations:
- Introduction to the Legislative Process in the U.S. Congress | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
- The Congressional Budget Process: A Brief Overview | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
- The Appropriations Process: A Brief Overview | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
- The Congressional Budget Process Timeline | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
- Membership of the 119th Congress: A Profile | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
- Industry Partner Insights:
- Mike Holland LinkedIn Profile (Director of Government Affairs, Ruveon / Bayer U.S.)
- Mike Holland LinkedIn Article Series (Pre-readings on legislative dynamics)
- 4-Day Intensive Schedule (Dec 1–4, 2026): Includes quarterly Idaho Industry Breakfast, Idaho delegation visits (Hill Visits), discussions with ISU alumni currently working in Washington DC, discussions with Hill staff responsible for internship coordination and employment decisions, DC monument and interesting sites tours, and Federal policy discussions with DC-based policy professionals.
- Post-Visit Deliverables: Once Fellows return to Idaho, they will provide a 10–12 minute presentation to their student colleagues on career insights, and write a 3–5 page essay summarizing policy learnings. All materials will be publicly archived to guide future student cohorts.