Additional information on the 2026-2027 application and selection process here.

The Climate Crossroads Congressional Fellowship provides current Congressional staff with a solid grounding in the science, engineering, and health dimensions of climate change. Fellows deepen their understanding of how sectors such as energy, agriculture, natural resources, transportation, finance, and national security can be affected by climate and explore emerging innovations and solutions. Throughout a 9-month training and educational experience, fellows engage with experts while strengthening their network of colleagues from a wide range of policy backgrounds. The fellowship fosters dialogue and builds capacity for evidence-informed policymaking for a more resilient, competitive, and secure nation.

Program Goals

1. Build capacity for evidence-informed policy making through a 9-month training and networking experience for a bipartisan, bicameral annual cohort of Climate Crossroads Congressional Fellows.
2. Enable community-building and foster dialogue among peers with a variety of viewpoints who share the common interest of evidence-informed policy making.
3. Enhance policy maker access to leading developments in science, engineering, and medicine, drawing upon the breadth of the National Academies’ reports, activities, expertise, and networks.

Fellowship Details

Members of the 2026-2027 cohort will start their fellowship in September with a reception in Washington, DC, followed by a series of in-person learning modules over the following eight months at the Capitol Complex and the National Academies’ buildings in Washington, DC. Modules will explore climate impacts and emerging solutions related to topics such as extreme weather events, ecosystems, agriculture, health, energy, infrastructure, and national security.

The keystone experience of the fellowship is an intensive three-day weekend seminar that will take place outside Washington, DC. On this trip, fellows participate in a series of learning sessions, field site visits to see the intersection of climate change, policy, and science in action, and opportunities for discussion to build deeper connections with speakers and other fellows.

In addition, fellows are invited to networking receptions, briefings, and other events in conjunction with National Academies activities. Fellows who complete the program will be part of the alumni network and have the opportunity to participate in alumni events and other climate-related programming at the National Academies.

This program is designed to comply with House and Senate ethics rules.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Work in one of the following to apply and at the time of the fellowship start date in September 2026: U.S. Congress, the Congressional Budget Office, the Congressional Research Service, or the Government Accountability Office
• Have a minimum two years of work experience

For more detailed information, review the Eligibility Requirements section of the Application and Selection tab.

Participation Expectations

There is an expectation that a Climate Crossroads Congressional Fellow will make a good faith effort to actively participate on an ongoing basis throughout the nine-month program. Minimum participation typically requires attending 1-2 events monthly, which involves 3 hours of event time plus reviewing pre-read materials. Participation must be balanced alongside commitments to the fellow’s primary position. As part of the fellowship, fellows are expected to attend the semi-monthly educational modules organized by National Academies staff, attend an intensive weekend seminar, and adhere to National Academies’ Policy on Preventing Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying.