For most engineers, influencing public policy usually means signing petitions, joining industry consultations, or commenting on proposed regulations. The IEEE-USA Government Fellowship Program 2027 offers something far more direct: a chance to spend an entire year working inside the U.S. Congress or the U.S. Department of State, where engineering expertise helps shape national legislation, technology policy, energy security, diplomacy, and innovation.

Established in 1973, the IEEE-USA Government Fellowship has become one of America’s most prestigious public policy programs for engineers and technology professionals. Rather than remaining observers, selected Fellows relocate to Washington, D.C. and serve as trusted advisers to lawmakers and federal policymakers, bringing technical knowledge into discussions that influence millions of people.

The fellowship is now preparing for its 2027–2028 cohort, making it an exceptional opportunity for qualified U.S. IEEE members who want to bridge engineering and government while expanding their careers beyond traditional technical roles.

What Makes the IEEE-USA Government Fellowship Unique?

Unlike conventional research fellowships, IEEE-USA places Fellows directly within the U.S. federal government where they become part of legislative or diplomatic teams responsible for evaluating emerging technologies, preparing policy recommendations, and advising decision-makers.

The fellowship runs for 12 months, beginning 1 September 2027 and concluding 31 August 2028, with Fellows working full-time in Washington, D.C.

Since its launch, more than 150 IEEE members have served through this program, contributing expertise in areas ranging from cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to energy systems, telecommunications, semiconductor policy, and international technology cooperation.

IEEE-USA Government Fellowship Tracks

Applicants may be considered for one of the following fellowship pathways depending on qualifications and organizational needs.

1# Congressional Fellowship

This flagship program places Fellows directly in Congressional offices or committees where they assist legislators by:

• Drafting legislation
• Preparing committee hearings
• Conducting policy research
• Writing technical policy briefs
• Advising Members of Congress on science and technology issues
• Translaining complex engineering concepts into practical policy recommendations

2# Engineering & Diplomacy Fellowship

Selected Fellows serve within the U.S. Department of State, supporting American foreign policy initiatives involving science and technology. Areas of work may include:

• Science diplomacy
• International technology cooperation
• Emerging technologies
• Cybersecurity policy
• Global innovation partnerships
• International engineering standards

3# Congressional Electric Grid Policy Fellowship

One of IEEE-USA’s newest specialized fellowships focuses on America’s electric power infrastructure. Fellows may contribute to policy concerning:

• Electric grid modernization
• Renewable energy integration
• Grid resilience
• Transmission planning
• Energy infrastructure legislation
• Grid cybersecurity
• Federal energy programs
• Power market policy

Applicants for this fellowship are generally expected to possess approximately seven years of relevant professional experience, although advanced graduate degrees may count toward this requirement.

Financial Benefits of US IEEE Fellowship

Successful Fellows of IEEE fellowship program will receive an attractive support package that allows them to focus entirely on government service and the benefits include:

• Annual fellowship stipend of approximately US$95,000
• US$5,000 relocation allowance
• Total financial support of approximately US$100,000
• Professional policy training
• Networking opportunities with senior government officials
• Direct exposure to Congressional and federal policymaking
• Membership in the IEEE-USA Government Fellows alumni network

For the Congressional Electric Grid Policy Fellowship, compensation may be higher depending on experience and placement.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants of IEEE US fellowship for the class of 2027 should satisfy the following eligibility conditions:

• Must hold active IEEE membership
• Must be available to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the fellowship year
• Should possess strong engineering, science, or technology expertise
• Must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Should have a genuine interest in public policy and government affairs

Eligible Academic Fields

IEEE welcomes applicants from numerous STEM disciplines, including:

• Electrical Engineering
• Electronics Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Robotics
• Cybersecurity
• Telecommunications
• Energy Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Environmental Engineering
• Technology Policy
• Other engineering and applied science disciplines

What Fellows Actually Do?

During the fellowship year, participants become active contributors within government offices rather than observers. Typical responsibilities include:

• Evaluating proposed legislation
• Meeting lawmakers and senior government officials
• Preparing Congressional briefings
• Researching emerging technologies
• Drafting policy documents
• Advising committees on engineering matters
• Supporting hearings and stakeholder meetings
• Translating technical evidence into actionable public policy

Why This Fellowship Matters?

The IEEE-USA Government Fellowship offers far more than a temporary government assignment. It provides engineers with first-hand experience in how national policy is created while allowing lawmakers to benefit from evidence-based technical expertise.

Many former Fellows have advanced into influential careers across federal agencies, government affairs, academia, technology companies, national laboratories, think tanks, and international organizations. For engineers seeking to combine technical excellence with public leadership, this fellowship represents one of the most respected pathways available in the United States.

Application Deadline

The IEEE-USA has not yet announced the official application deadline for the 2027–2028 US Government Fellowship Program. Interested applicants should regularly monitor the official IEEE-USA Government Fellowship portal, as applications typically open several months before the fellowship begins on 1 September 2027.