Foreign Policy Fellowship Program

The Wilson Center's Foreign Policy Fellowship Program (FPFP) is a six-week seminar that encourages Congressional staffers to debate key global issues with some of the nation’s leading foreign policy thinkers and practitioners. FPFP also encourages Fellows from across the aisle to network and work together through an interactive simulation. Additionally, Fellows have the opportunity to join our 1,000-member alumni network and join us for exclusive briefings and study trips around the world.

Applications for the Foreign Policy Fellowship Program are now closed.

JOIN THE NETWORK

The Wilson Center is celebrating a decade of the Foreign Policy Fellowship Program. Learn more about what the program offers and the alumni networking opportunities!

Watch Here

The Need

Every day, congressional staff advise Members of Congress on US foreign and defense policy matters. It is critically important that both Members and staff be well-versed in a range of global and complex issues.

What the Fellowship Offers

The core of the Fellowship Program is a six-week seminar that encourages Fellows to debate key issues with some of the nation’s leading foreign policy thinkers and practitioners. Each session will encourage analytical approaches and fresh perspectives on a key issue and will include a recommended reading list.

Each week's seminar also includes a simulation exercise, in which Fellows are divided into core groups and given scenarios to roleplay the role of the legislative branch in foreign policy.

Fellows who attend 5 out of 6 sessions will receive a certificate of completion from the Wilson Center and join the Woodrow Wilson Foreign Policy Fellowship Alumni Network. Alumni will be invited to attend exclusive Wilson Center events and programs, including private briefings, study trips, and high-level round tables.

Alumni will also be able to draw on the expertise and knowledge of the 150 resident scholars that the Wilson Center hosts each year – a diverse group of policymakers, academics, and executives from both the public and private sectors.

The Wilson Center invites mid to senior-level staff to participate in the Fellowship Program. The Program is also open to exceptional leaders with a keen interest in foreign policy who staff other US policymakers. Each year, the Center hosts two sessions (spring and fall) with roughly 50 participants each. Applicants should possess a strong understanding of the legislative process and aspire to a career shaping foreign policy. This program is only available to current Congressional staff.

Applications for the Fall 2024 cohort are closed.

Dates for the Fall 2024 Foreign Policy Fellowship Program:

September 6 (Wilson Center)
September 13 (Wilson Center)
September 20 (Virtual)
September 27 (On the Hill)
October 18 (On the Hill)
October 25 (On the Hill)

If accepted, each fellow is required to attend at least five out of the six sessions, which take place on Fridays from 2:30pm - 5:00pm at the Wilson Center or on Capitol Hill. Please do not apply unless you know you can meet the attendance requirements.