Hatfield Fellowship FAQs
What is the duration of the Fellowship?
The Fellowship is a 9 month education program that begins the first week of November with a month-long orientation at APSA. Office placement begins the first week of December and goes through the month of July.
Am I guaranteed a congressional assignment?
Yes, SMCF staff will make arrangements for the office assignment based on congressional office availability, and not on the Fellow’s political affiliation.
Do I receive assistance in finding housing?
No, the Hatfield Fellow is responsible for locating housing for the duration of their stay in Washington, D.C. The selected Fellow may want to contact The American Political Science Association at (202) 483-2512 or e-mail at apsa@apsanet.org . They may be able to assist you in your housing search. An additional and excellent resource is previous Hatfield Fellows.
Will I have vacation time and will it interfere with the program?
Fellows will arrange their schedules, including any vacation time or days off, with their individual congressional offices. As a Fellow, you will not be paid for vacation, sick time and/or days off. If you take time off for Christmas break or other vacations, your stipend will be pro-rated for that time period.
Do Fellows have a flexible work schedule while assigned to congressional staffs?
No, Fellows should generally expect to work the same hours as other congressional staff members and adhere to the office’s procedures and guidelines. Congressional staff frequently work late hours depending on Congressional activity. Hours to be worked shall be approved by your supervisor prior to the start of your fellowship.
Is an assignment to the congressional office a full-time obligation?
Yes, Fellows cannot not work for anyone else during their Fellowship year. It is the intent of the representatives of Spirit Mountain Community Fund that the Fellow spends his or her time in pursuit of the Fellowship objectives. Fellows should not engage in extensive personal travel that would limit his or her full participation in the program.
Are there possibilities to extend the Fellowship period?
No, the Fellowship officially ends on the last day of July. Any extension beyond that is a matter of personal negotiation between the individual Fellow and the congressional office.
Is it appropriate for the Fellow to do any writing during the course of the Fellowship such as newspaper articles, etc.? What about secondary employment?
No, congressional ethics rules govern Fellows as they do for any other congressional staff member. Fellows should consult with the staff of the American Political Science Association about any questions that might arise during the course of the Fellowship year. As stated above, it is the intent of the Trustees that the Fellow dedicates his/her attention to the fellowship, taking full advantage of the opportunities that it brings.
What else can you tell me about eligibility for the Hatfield Fellowship?
The Fellowship program was created to give Native men and women the experience of government service in their professional careers. The Hatfield Fellowship is awarded on a strict non-partisan basis. The Selection Committee encourages balance and diversity in all aspects of the program and encourages all eligible candidates to apply.
What happens to my application form after the Hatfield Fellow is selected?
The application forms of the person selected as a Hatfield Fellow may be circulated to appropriate officials prior to placing the Fellow in their congressional assignment. Spirit Mountain Community Fund retains all other applications for a period of five years. The selection committee does not assume responsibility for the return of the application or supporting documents. All applicants are advised to retain copies of their application forms and not to submit irreplaceable documents or other materials. Applicants interested in re-applying for the following years Hatfield Fellowship must complete a new application package, adhering to all requirements and deadlines.
Please explain more about the funding for the Fellowship?
Each Hatfield Fellow will serve for nine months and will receive a taxable stipend of approximately $82,620 for the nine-month period (approximately $9,180 per month) and moving expenses ($7,112). Like all normal business practices, the fellow will receive their first stipend payment after they have completed their first month of work in Washington, D.C. Fellows will receive only one stipend payment per month. There will be no increases in the stipend amount during the Fellowship period and there will not be any stipend advances. Fellows will not accrue vacation time, nor will they be provided healthcare coverage (medical/dental/vision). The Fellowship does not have additional funds allocated for clothing, cellular telephones, laptop computers, etc. If you have questions or need clarification concerning the stipend or support that you will receive, please contact the Spirit Mountain Community Fund Program Coordinator at fellows@thecommunityfund.com or 503-879-1462.