Applications Now Open for Class of 2012 WREI Congressional Fellowships on Women and Public Policy

WASHINGTON, April 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Women's Research and Education Institute (WREI) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for coveted places in the WREI Fellowship Class of 2012.

The program is open to applicants who are currently enrolled in, or have recently completed, a graduate program leading to a degree. WREI strongly recommends that applicants have completed at least nine hours of graduate coursework before applying, and have a demonstrated interest in research or political activity relevant to women's social and political status.  Competition often includes lawyers, doctors, MBAs, and Ph.D. candidates with extensive professional and volunteer experience. To examine the credentials and fellowship work of previous WREI Fellows, please go to http://www.wrei.org/FellowsProfiles.htm. 

Fellows are selected on the basis of academic competence as well as demonstrated interest in the public policy process.  They are expected to be articulate and adaptable, and to have strong writing skills.  Applicants with a variety of traditional and nontraditional academic backgrounds will be considered.

WREI Fellows work a minimum of 40 hours per week from January through August as legislative aides on public policy issues.  Following a mandatory two-week orientation to Capitol Hill in January, Fellows meet once a week at issue seminars with women's advocates, activists, Congressional staff, researchers, and lobbyists.  WREI expects to award at least five Fellowships for 2012, depending on funding. WREI Fellows receive a stipend of approximately $1,500 per month.

WREI seeks diversity in its fellowship program and welcomes qualified applicants of any age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, experience, and academic field.

To learn more about the program, qualifications and conditions, explore the WREI fellowship FAQ here and download the WREI 2012 information and application package here.  Get the 2012 WREI Fellowship brochure here.  

Semi-finalists will be interviewed in June, July, and August.  Awards will be announced by early September. Applications for the 2012 fellowships are due June 10, 2011.

SOURCE The Women's Research & Education Institute