2026-2027 Climate Crossroads Congressional Fellowship Application

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Climate Crossroads Congressional Fellowship is open to those working in U.S. Congress, CBO, CRS, or GAO with a minimum of two years of work experience. Applicants must work in one of these institutions at the time of their application and at the time of the fellowship start date in September 2026. This program is designed to comply with House and Senate ethics rules.

For more information on the fellowship, please visit our webpage.

Draft responses will not be saved. Once your application is complete, click the "Submit" button located at the bottom of the page. All applications and materials must be received by the application deadline of May 13, 2026 at 7pm EDT.

Questions? Contact ClimateCrossroads@nas.edu

Name *This question is required.

Eligibility Self-Screen

Please complete the eligibility self-screen below. Only applicants who indicate they are eligible will have access to the remainder of the application.

Do you currently work in one of the following: U.S. Congress, the Congressional Budget Office, the Congressional Research Service, or the Government Accountability Office? *This question is required.

Do you have at least two years of work experience? *This question is required.

You are eligible to apply for this fellowship. Please continue with the application below.

You are not eligible to apply for this opportunity. The Climate Crossroads Congressional Fellowship is open to those currently working in U.S. Congress, CBO, CRS, or GAO with a minimum of two years of work experience.

Work Email *This question is required. This question requires a valid email address.

Work Address *This question is required.

Preferred Phone *This question is required.

How did you hear about this opportunity? (select all that apply) *This question is required.

National Academies website
National Academies email
National Academies staff
Colleague
Former or Current Climate Crossroads Congressional Fellow
Non-National Academies email or listserv
Social Media
Other Please enter an 'other' value for this selection. * This question is required.

Job Title *This question is required.

Office *This question is required.

Why are you interested in this fellowship and how will it advance and support your career? Please include how the topic of climate change relates to your current role and/or professional goals. (250 words) *This question is required.

What are you hoping to learn about the science, engineering, and health dimensions of climate change and their intersections with policy? (150 words) *This question is required.

How are you hoping to engage with and learn from fellows, alumni, and others in the fellowship network? (150 words)
*This question is required.

Resume/CV: This should include your responsibilities in your current role, years of experience working in Congress/CBO/CRS/GAO, work history, and highest education level. Please submit your resume/CV using the "Browse" button below. (doc, docx, or pdf only; 1 MB file size limit)

Having trouble uploading your file? Try accessing the application via a different network or contact climatecrossroads@nas.edu for assistance. *This question is required.

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Letter of Acknowledgment: This should indicate that your office leadership (for example, Staff Director, Chief of Staff, or member of Congress) is aware and supportive of your active participation in the program in your official capacity.

The Letter of Acknowledgment must:

Include text that your office leadership is aware and supportive of your active participation in the program in your official capacity
Be written by your office leadership and include their professional title
Be submitted by the “Browse” button below (1 MB file size limit) OR as an email to ClimateCrossroads@nas.edu by the application deadline

Full Letters of Recommendation are not required nor requested.

Having trouble uploading your file? Try accessing the application via a different network or contact climatecrossroads@nas.edu for assistance.
*

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Participation Expectations

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 include 3 hours of event time plus reviewing pre-read materials. Participation must be balanced alongside commitments to your primary position. Please confirm your understanding of the expected level of commitment by checking the box below.

If selected to become a Climate Crossroads Congressional Fellow, I agree to:

Attend the semi-monthly events organized by National Academies staff as part of the fellowship in Washington, DC
Attend an intensive weekend seminar
Adhere to National Academies’ Policy on Preventing Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying

Please acknowledge that you have read and agree to the listed expectations above.
*This question is required.

I agree