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Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program

Published January 8, 2009 by Eric Pamintuan

chci

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) and

SACNAS-SHPE-MAES Consortium

Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program in

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

Program Description:

CHCI’S Graduate & Young Professional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Fellowship provides exceptional Latino graduates and young professionals unparalleled exposure to professional experience in the public policy areas of STEM fields.

Grounded in the core principles of excellence, leadership, professionalism and service, the program seeks to enhance participants’ leadership abilities, strengthen professional skills and ultimately to increase the presence of Latinos in underserved STEM careers. In order to meet these objectives, the Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program is designed to challenge participants with a strong curriculum while granting privileged interaction with the prestigious network of STEM professionals and leaders in Washington, D.C.

The program includes work placement in an office, committee or subcommittee on Capitol Hill or in a federal government agency whose work is intimately tied to the STEM focus. In addition to substantive policy and research work, STEM fellows have the opportunity to interact with a cadre of experts from companies and agencies working in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. This interaction is the catalyst for developing an annual Public Policy Roundtable topic and agenda that is presented on Capitol Hill in the spring of each year.

Throughout the fellowship from late August to mid-May, fellows take part in an intensive curriculum including leadership development and professional trainings as well as informative sessions on a variety of current and historical topics of import to Latino communities across the country. This curriculum also includes strategic exposure to top experts and cutting-edge policy and research in STEM fields and other related areas.

Program Basics, Application Criteria, & Program Requirements:

Program Basics:

  • 9-month fellowship (September – May)
  • Paid travel expenses and health insurance
  • Monthly stipend of $2,700
  • Local housing for the duration of the program is the responsibility of the fellowship recipient

To apply for the Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Demonstrated commitment to the program principles of excellence, leadership, professionalism and service
  • Graduate degree from an accredited educational institution or equivalent 3 years professional experience in STEM fields
  • U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency
  • High academic achievement
  • Superior oral and written analytical and communication skills
  • Willingness to relocate to Washington, D.C. for duration of program
  • Submission of all application materials by deadline

To complete the Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program requirements, fellows must:

  • Work a minimum of 35 hours per week at a placement
  • Develop and execute a Policy Roundtable to promote public policy issues of importance to Latinos
  • Research and publication of a written work about a public policy issue in chosen area ( research paper, op-ed, or briefing paper)
  • Contribute to the development of the CHCI Public Policy Conference Summits
  • Complete rigorous STEM program curriculum including various personal and professional trainings and lectures as well as community service hours and project.

Published in Employment