AIP Policy Innovation Fellowship

Program Details

Apply for the Fellowship

Overview

The AIP Policy Innovation Fellowship is designed to provide educational opportunities by cultivating the next generation of tech-fluent policy professionals. Selected fellows will receive intensive training in emerging technology policy, followed by year-long placements in congressional offices on the House Agriculture and Financial Services Committees.

Program Structure

Training Phase 1

Deep-Dives (Virtual)

Format

Weekly
sessions

Timeline

Spring
2026

Curriculum Focus

Crypto/innovation policy and Hill best practices

Sample Curriculum Topics

• Hill Mechanics - How Congress Really Works
• Digital Asset Fundamentals
• Market Structure
• Stablecoins & Payments
• DeFi
• Illicit Finance
• Prudential Oversight
• Commodities & Agriculture Jurisdiction
• Global Regimes
• Hill Mechanics II
• Government Affairs & Industry Relations
• Capstone

Guest Speakers

• Industry executives and builders
• Government affairs professionals
• Current and former Hill staff
• Policy experts and academics

Boot Camp (2-3 Days - DC, Summer 2026)

• Office onboarding orientation
• Ethics training refresher
• Policy writing lab
• Professional development sessions

Training Phase 2

Congressional Placement
(Summer 2026 - Spring 2027)

Timeline

Summer 2026 - Spring 2027

role

Congressional staff position in Member offices

party balance

Republican and
Democratic offices

Ongoing Support

• Regular professional development sessions
• Mid-point and final reviews
• Access to AIP staff and resources
• Alumni network programming

Special Events & Travel

• AIP Summit Attendance: Fellows attend the annual AIP Summit in August as participants
• District Trip: Each fellow completes an educational trip to their Member's congressional district

Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support

Competitive Stipend

(taxable grant from AIP – fellows are not House employees)

AIP Summit

(airfare, lodging, and registration covered)

Boot Camp

(Lodging and expenses covered)

Relocation Assistance

Travel and expenses covered

Who Should Apply

We're looking for recent graduates who demonstrate:

Strong interest in public service, technology, and policy
Crypto literacy and proven capacity for rapid technical learning
Excellent analytical and communication skills
Ability to explain complex concepts clearly
Commitment to nonpartisan, education-first approaches
Strong work ethic and professional maturity

Application Components

Program Details
Required Materials

Prospective fellows will be required to submit a comprehensive application package, including:

Resume + Transcript:
Professional resume and academic transcript (unofficial acceptable)
Two Recommendations:
Letters from individuals who can speak to your capabilities and character
Personal Statement (750 words):
Your interest in crypto/innovation policy and public service
Technical Explainer (300 words):
Clear explanation of a complex crypto or market topic for a non-technical audience
Assessment Process

The selection process will include several practical assessments to gauge critical skills:

Timed Policy Memo (timed exercise, 45 minutes):
Draft a policy memo based on a mock notice of hearing
Explain-Back Exercise (5 minutes):
Deliver a plain-English verbal brief on a technical topic
Case Interview:
Interview conducted by AIP staff and board members, evaluating judgment and problem-solving