FAQs

• What type of activities do fellows engage in? What is the anticipated time commitment?

  What type of activities do fellows engage in? What is the anticipated time commitment?

  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 schedule will be shared in advance to give fellows adequate notice to reserve the time and prepare for the module.

  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.

  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.

• What topics will the program cover and what do fellows learn about?

  What topics will the program cover and what do fellows learn about?

  The fellowship curriculum explores climate-related dimensions relevant to extreme weather events, ecosystems, agriculture, health, energy, transportation and infrastructure, national security, and other topics of interest. Fellowship sessions review independent, objective, and rigorously vetted science behind climate impacts on each topic, highlight tools and resources for further learning, and provide opportunities for discussion on how evidence can be used in policymaking to address societal challenges. Sessions also examine emerging solutions and innovations that help communities build resilience and key sectors sustain long-term competitiveness as climate patterns shift. Fellows are encouraged to continue the discussion with module experts outside the learning session on areas of interest.

• What types of speakers attend fellowship events?

  What types of speakers attend fellowship events?

  Fellows will learn from and engage with experts, practitioners, and other leaders in the science and policy communities. Speakers include individuals from academia, non-profits, industry, state/local governments, and the federal executive branch with vast experience building our understanding of climate change, implementing interventions, and contributing to decision-making on a variety of scales. Past speakers have featured farmers, insurance experts, emergency physicians, researchers, and leaders of various resilience programs.

• How large is the fellowship cohort?

  How large is the fellowship cohort?

  The cohort will have approximately 30-35 fellows.

• How is the program funded and is participation free?

  How is the program funded and is participation free?

  The fellowship is free to participate and is designed to comply with House and Senate ethics rules. The sponsors of the fellowship are the Heising-Simons Foundation, Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation, National Academies of Sciences Arthur L. Day Fund, George and Cynthia Mitchell Endowment for Sustainability, and BESI Fund.

• What criteria are considered during the application process?

  What criteria are considered during the application process?

  The National Academies staff review panel will select a bipartisan and bicameral cohort of fellows from the U.S. Congress, the Congressional Budget Office, the Congressional Research Service, and the Government Accountability Office, with a range of policy backgrounds at various career stages and holding a variety of professional roles on Capitol Hill. In their application materials and during the interview, strong candidates clearly demonstrate professional relevance to the fellowship, interest in learning and engaging with the fellowship community, and experience that prepares them to participate meaningfully in the fellowship.

  Preference may be given to applicants who work in a Washington, DC-based office, have full-time work experience in relevant policy areas, or are permanent staff, but applicants who do not meet those criteria are eligible to apply.

  The detailed review criteria are available in the Selection Process section above.

• Is the program for those already working on climate policy or for those who are looking to move to that space?

  Is the program for those already working on climate policy or for those who are looking to move to that space?

  The program is designed as a training and education opportunity for both those with prior experience working on climate issues and those new to this space. This opportunity is open to early-, mid-, and senior-level staff. Prior climate change knowledge, direct experience working on climate issues, or higher degrees are not required.

• Do I need to maintain my current position throughout the fellowship to participate?

  Do I need to maintain my current position throughout the fellowship to participate?

  Fellows are not required to maintain their status as Congressional, CBO, CRS, or GAO staff throughout the remainder of the fellowship, but continuation in the program following changes in employment will be reviewed by the National Academies on a case-by-case basis to avoid conflicts of interest (actual or perceived) and to ensure compliance with ethics guidance and other policies of the National Academies, Congress, and the new employer. In the event of a change in employment status, fellows are responsible for ensuring that their new employer is aware and supportive of their active participation in the program.

• Do you need two years of work directly in Congress to be eligible?

  Do you need two years of work directly in Congress to be eligible?

  No. The two years of work experience requirement refers to experience generally. An applicant does not need to have two years of work experience in Congress itself to be considered eligible.