NIAF Congressional Fellowship

What is the NIAF Congressional Fellowship?

The National Italian American Foundation is excited to announce the launch of the NIAF Congressional Fellowship Program. Beginning in fall 2020, the Foundation will place outstanding Italian American college students and recent graduates in offices of members of the Italian American Congressional Delegation (IACD) to encourage and support the next generation of Italian American leadership. Fellows are expected to commit 20 to 40 hours a week for 12 weeks from September to December.

Five students and/or recent graduates will be selected as NIAF Congressional Fellows and will travel to Washington, D.C., to work in a Congressional office during the fall of 2020. NIAF will award fellows with a stipend of $1000 to aid with travel and living expenses while in Washington. Fellows will also receive training at NIAF headquarters and will be invited to participate in NIAF events throughout the fall, including NIAF Government Affairs events and our 45th NIAF Public Policy Forums and our 44th Annual Gala Weekend from October 30- November 1, 2020.

2019 Fellow Sam Pedalino with IACD Co-chair Rep. Bill Pascrell

The Italian American Voice

This fellowship serves as an opportunity for first-hand experience in public service for the next generation of Italian American political leaders. Fellows will learn about the legislative process, issues facing Congress, and the operations of a Congressional office while working for an Italian American leader who has climbed the ladder of public policy success.

NIAF is nonpartisan and serves as an important voice for Italian Americans in Washington, D.C. The Foundation works closely with Congress, The White House, the Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Rome, and the Embassy of Italy in Washington to promote Italian American heritage and serve as a bipartisan educational foundation. As a unified voice on issues of importance to Italian Americans, the Foundation builds relationships with key decision makers on behalf of the Italian American community and serves as a resource and thought leader for politicians, policy makers, and diplomats.

2018 Fellow Bianca Herlory with Congressman Tim Ryan

Congressional Offices Offering Fellowships in 2020

Please see the offices below that are available to accept NIAF Congressional Fellows during the 2020 program:

  1. Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV-2)
  2. Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-NY-22)
  3. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4)
  4. Rep. Greg Gianforte (R-MT-At-large)
  5. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA-1)
  6. Rep. Joe Morelle (D-NY-25)
  7. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-20)
  8. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ-9)
  9. Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH-13)
  10. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY-3)

Additional offices may be added while the application is open.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to apply, a student must meet all the following requirements:

  1. Students must be members of the National Italian American Foundation. Not a member?
  2. Students must be a junior or senior in college, or in the first year out of college, at beginning of internship date.
  3. Students must have at least one Italian great-grandparent.
  4. Students must be able to commit 20-40 hours per week at the Congressional office.
  5. Preference will be given to students who have never previously held an internship on Capitol Hill.
Become a member
2019 Fellow Nicolo Ferretti with Rep. Tom Suozzi
How To Apply
Become a NIAF
Member
1. Join the Foundation with a Sustaining Membership.
Fill Out
Application
2. Students must fill out the application.
Provide Two
References
3. Students must provide TWO references who are either current/former employers or supervisors or current/former professors. Please do NOT include family members.
Email
Resume
4. Students must email a resume to fellowship@niaf.org

Important Notes

NIAF will only accept online applications (no exceptions).

Please note that NIAF cannot guarantee that Fellows will receive school credit for their fellowship. Fellows who are interested in receiving college credit should be in contact with their university career center and an academic advisor.

Application Closed: