Stennis Congressional
Staff Fellows Program
Program Description
The Stennis Congressional Staff Fellows Program (Stennis Fellows) is a bipartisan, bicameral leadership development experience for senior staff members of the U.S. Congress. Established in the 103rd Congress, the Stennis Fellows program focuses on future challenges to Congress as an institution of American democracy and the leadership role played by senior congressional staff in meeting those challenges.
In each Congress, up to 34 Stennis Fellows are selected by an independent panel of previous Stennis Fellows, balanced by political party and chamber. The goal is for Stennis Fellows to meet every four-to-six weeks over 18 months, with times and locations chosen to accommodate the congressional calendar and time demands of the Stennis Fellows. One of the unique features of the Stennis Fellows program is that Stennis Fellows determine their learning agenda. In addition to a welcome reception and an awards dinner, the program consists of approximately six half-day roundtable discussions with nationally renowned experts in Washington, D.C., to explore various aspects of the agenda. While insights from guest experts are valuable, even more significant is the dialogue, learning, and relationship-building that takes place among the Stennis Fellows. To help facilitate this, the Stennis Center hosts four overnight retreats for Fellows outside Washington, D.C.
Visit the link below for a complete list of all of our 119th Congress Stennis Fellows.
Program Mission
ENHANCE THE CAPACITY AND COMMITMENT of exceptional senior-level staff members to “Look Ahead” to what will be needed to better serve Congress and its members in a world of rapid change.
FOSTER DIALOGUE AND THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS among senior-level staff members in a neutral venue, and create a valuable network of bipartisan, bicameral working relationships.
BUILD A COMMUNITY of legislative staffers that is invested in congressional capacity and legislative effectiveness.
RECOGNIZE AND HONOR senior-level staff of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate who have demonstrated outstanding public service leadership.
Program Eligibility Requirements
There are no specific requirements to participate in the program and all interested staffers are encouraged to apply. Typically, successful applicants are senior-level congressional staff, such as committee staff directors or deputy staff directors, chiefs of staff or deputy chiefs of staff, legislative directors, or senior professional staff. At the time of their selection, almost two-thirds of Stennis Fellows have at least ten years of experience on Capitol Hill.
Applicants should demonstrate:
Previous applicants not selected in prior Congresses are highly encouraged to apply again. In addition, senior staffers from supporting offices of the Legislative Branch, including the Congressional Budget Office, the Library of Congress, and the U.S. Capitol Police, are also eligible for the program and encouraged to apply.
The independent selection committee carefully reviews each application, paying particular attention to the career profile and short essay responses in each application. The ability to devote the time necessary to participate fully in the program is a prerequisite to being selected and retaining the designation of Stennis Fellow.
The Stennis Center seeks diversity in the Stennis Fellows program. It does not discriminate among individual applicants on the basis of race, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, or veteran status.
Sample Program Timeline for Each Congress
FEBRUARY
(First year of Congressional session)
Application materials available
MARCH
Application materials due and selection committee meets to finalize selections
APRIL
Welcome reception
MAY
Overnight dialogue retreat
JUNE-MAY
(First and second year of Congressional session)
Roundtable sessions, university visit, and class trip
JULY
Concluding retreat
SEPTEMBER
Awards dinner
Approximately 34 Fellows are selected each Congress.