ACMER Leadership Development Program Graduate Fellowship Application

ACMER Leadership Development Program Graduate Fellowship Application
Location: Washington, D.C.
Program Dates: Summer 2026-Spring 2027 (approximately 9 months, exact dates flexible)
Compensation: $35,000 stipend

Deadline: Priority deadline is May 24, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Job Description

Please note this is an abridged version of the job description. You can access the full job description HERE.

The American Committee for Middle East Rights (ACMER) is pleased to launch its inaugural Leadership Development Program (LDP) Fellowship, a paid fellowship for graduate students, law students, or those who have recently finished a graduate program. ACMER strongly encourages applications from individuals of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) descent, as well as those with a demonstrated interest in MENA-related foreign policy, human rights, and national security. The LDP places fellows in congressional offices working on foreign policy, human rights, and national security.

Over the course of the nine-month term, fellows will work in congressional offices to gain direct insight into the legislative and advocacy processes that drive U.S. foreign policy. Alongside their placements, ACMER offers structured professional development and networking designed to strengthen leadership skills and expand professional networks. This program is designed to support policy specialization and post-graduate career placement, preparing fellows to pursue mid- to senior-level positions on Capitol Hill and within NGOs, and cultivate the next generation of policy and advocacy leaders.
Basic Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Pronouns used*
City, State of residence*
Home Congressional district and representative (please note hometown district and your university or college's district)*
Find your district here: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
Are you a U.S. citizen?*

YesNoOther
Name of graduate institution, degree, and expected graduation year*
Placement preference (please select ALL that apply)*

Democratic Hill OfficeRepublican Hill OfficeNon-profit organization
How did you hear about the ACMER Leadership Development Program?

Friend/colleagueLinkedInACMER WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitter/XUniversityOrganizational ListServOther
Application Questions
What draws you to ACMER's Leadership Development Program and working on U.S. foreign policy? (200 word maximum)*

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What do you consider the most pressing U.S. foreign policy issue of today? (200 word maximum)*

0/215
Tell us about a project, role, or initiative that you’re proud of and reflects your commitment to public service or advocacy. (200 word maximum)*

0/215
Why is MENA-American representation in foreign policy and public service important to you? (200 word maximum) *

0/215
How do you envision the ACMER Leadership Development Program fellowship playing a role in your career path and what do you hope to gain from it? (200 word maximum) *

0/215
Resume submission (2 page maximum)*

Please submit a pdf of your resume with the naming conventions First Name_Last Name_ACMER_Resume.
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Reference list submission (3 references with name, relationship, email, and phone number)*
References should be from managers, professors, mentors, or other professional or educational relationships. Please submit a list with each reference's full name, relationship, email, and phone number.
Unofficial transcript submission*

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Writing sample submission*

Please submit a writing sample to evaluate your writing abilities and capacity to write efficiently on policy and briefing matters. Writing samples could include policy papers, academic research papers, or background, policy, or hearing memos from former jobs. Please limit your submission to a few pages.
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ACMER Leadership Development Program Graduate Fellowship Application

Basic Information

Application Questions

Optional Demographics Survey