The Hoover Institution appreciates the important role of congressional staff, as they advise Members of Congress on the most critical issues facing the nation. The Hoover Institution is uniquely positioned to offer its scholarship as a resource for congressional staff and support their work navigating complex policy issues on Capitol Hill.
Multiple times a year, The Hoover Institution convenes congressional staff for two full days of policy-focused programming at Hoover's main campus at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. These educational seminars are led by Hoover scholars and include discussions on domestic and international policy issues that are aligned with Hoover’s key research areas. Participants are encouraged to learn from and engage in debate with some of the nation’s leading thinkers and practitioners.
Upon returning to Washington, congressional fellows remain connected to the Hoover Institution through policy briefings and networking events with the broader alumni community.
Learn more about the most recent Congressional Fellowship Program in August 2026.
Hear From Alumni
"The Congressional Fellowship is a tremendous opportunity for any Hill Staffer. The caliber of speakers is only outmatched by the unprecedented access to them; intimate classes with casual Q&A sessions yield thought-provoking conversations between both the Fellows at the Hoover Institution and the fellow Congressional Staffers that come to Palo Alto with a huge variety of experiences behind them.”
"The Congressional Fellowship Program at the Hoover Institution provides rigorous policy discussions to Hill staffers from eminent Hoover scholars. The policy insights provided by the Program give balanced assessments of economic and social-policy issues that are useful and valuable to Congressional staff."
Who Should Submit Interest
The Grady Family Congressional Fellowship Program is best suited for mid- to senior-level congressional staff interested in economics, education, technology, national security, and foreign policy.
Congressional Research Service staff members are also welcome to apply. The program is designed for permanent congressional staff, but applications from congressional fellows will also be considered.
Travel Information
Participants receive round-trip airfare between Washington, DC, and California; ground transportation in California; lodging in Palo Alto; and meals on program days. The Congressional Fellowship Program is designed to comply with House and Senate ethics rules.
The next session will include two full days of programming on Monday, March 22, and Tuesday, March 23. Participants will travel to California on the evening of Sunday, March 21, and return on the morning of Wednesday, March 24.
Applying
Complete the Hoover Institution Congressional Fellowship Program Application Form to submit your information and a brief personal statement describing your interest in the program and your professional experience.
Submissions will be open until Sunday, January 17, 2027 at 11:59 PM ET.
Contact Us
For more information about the program or the application process, please reach out to Lauren Wright in Hoover's DC office at LKWright@stanford.edu.
