AMS Congressional Fellowship

The American Mathematical Society (AMS), in conjunction with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), sponsors this fellowship. It includes an orientation on congressional and executive branch operations, and a year-long seminar series on issues involving science, technology and public policy. The AMS Congressional Fellow spends a year working on the staff of either a member of Congress or a congressional committee, working in legislative and policy areas requiring scientific and technical input.

Another important Fellowship that mathematical scientists are encouraged to apply for, at the same time as the AMS Congressional Fellowship, is the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship program. AAAS Fellows serve in Congress or in an Executive branch agency. (Note that the AAAS fellowship deadline is earlier than the AMS deadline; the AAAS application portal on their website is open June 1–Nov 1).

The AMS Congressional Fellow will bring his/her/their technical background and external perspective to the decision-making process in Congress. Prospective Fellows must be cognizant of and demonstrate sensitivity toward political and social issues and have a strong interest in applying personal knowledge toward solutions to societal problems.

Applications are invited from individuals in the mathematical sciences. Applicants must have a PhD or an equivalent doctoral-level degree by the application deadline of February 1. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Federal employees are not eligible.

For the September 2024-August 2025 Fellowship year, the stipend will be US$100,479, with allowances for relocation and professional travel, plus a contribution toward health insurance.

Applications are accepted through February 1, 2024. To apply, submit a 2-3 page statement expressing interest and qualifications for the AMS Congressional Fellowship, as well as a current curriculum vitae. Candidates should also have three letters of recommendation sent to the AMS by the February 1, 2024 deadline.

Apply Online Here

Next application deadline: February 1, 2024

Every day on the Hill is new and exciting! Whether I am writing press releases, synthesizing complicated ideas into one-pagers or meeting influential individuals, I learn something new every day." – Duncan Wright, AMS Congressional Fellow 2022-2023

AMS Congressional Fellows:

• 2022-23: Duncan Wright, Office of Senator Todd Young (IN)
• 2021-22: A.J. Stewart, Office of Senator Raphael Warnock (GA), read "Finding Meaning Outside Academia."
• 2020-21: Rachel Levy, Office of Senator Maggie Hassan (NH), read "Not Only a Postdoc: The AMS Congressional Fellowship in Mid- and Late-Career."
• 2019-20: Lucia Simonelli, Office of Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI), read "Grafting Science on Congress."
• 2018-19: James Ricci, Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN), read "From the Lecture Hall to the National Mall: My Year as the AMS Congressional Fellow."
• 2017-18: Margaret D. Callahan, Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN), read "Science for Policy: My Year on Capitol Hill."
• 2016-17: Catherine Paolucci, Office of Senator Al Franken (MN), read "From Campus to Congress: Navigating Policy, Procedure, and Politics as an AMS Congressional Fellow"
• 2015-16: Anthony J. Macula, Office of Rep. Jim McDermott (WA-7), read "My Year as an AMS Congressional Fellow"

Previous AMS Congressional Fellows