Lantos Congressional Fellows Program

 
 


THE 2025 LANTOS CONGRESSIONAL FELLOWS PROGRAM


Each Lantos Congressional Fellow will be assigned to work in the office of a US Representative, a US Senator, or other Congressional office. 

EMPLOYMENT EXPECTATIONS

Each Lantos Fellow will be tasked by their employing office with responsibilities determined by his/her supervisor. All offices will be provided with an overview of their Fellow’s previous professional and academic experience and will be encouraged to emphasize human rights policy where applicable to enhance their Fellow’s understanding. The responsibilities of previous Lantos Fellows have ranged from drafting legislation and representing the Member’s Office during meetings to communications strategy and constituent relations.

During their time on Capitol Hill, Lantos Fellows will participate in a series of continuing education sessions coordinated by the Lantos Foundation to expand their practical knowledge and provide additional insight into the policy side of human rights work. These sessions will include meetings with an array of Washington experts in human rights and foreign policy.

Lantos Fellows will gain unparalleled insight into the inter-workings of the United States Congress, while actively participating in the legislative process. Past participants have gone on to successful careers in government, law, politics, and business both in their home countries and in the United States.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Lantos Fellows must be young professionals between the ages of 24-35 that have completed an undergraduate degree and may have completed, or be in the process of completing, a graduate degree.

Lantos Fellows must have a demonstrable commitment to human rights work – either academically or professionally.

Only natives of European countries (including outside of the EU) or Israel will be considered for Lantos Fellowships – reflecting the same journey that Tom Lantos made to the United States in his youth. 

All Lantos Fellows candidates must be fully fluent in English – all interviews and writing submissions will be conducted in English. 

Lantos Fellows will travel to the United States on a J-1 Visa, so chosen Fellows must be able to meet those eligibility requirements.

LIVING/TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

The Lantos Foundation provides one furnished apartment for all participants, as well as a stipend to help offset living expenses.  Washington, DC is an expensive place to live, and Fellows should plan accordingly based on their lifestyle. Single accommodations are not promised – Fellows should expect a group home with shared bedrooms and bathrooms. Should the accommodation provided not be satisfactory or should a Fellow require a separate residence for any reason, one may – at their own expense – seek other housing arrangements at any time during the Fellowship. Travel arrangements to Washington, DC will be made by and paid for by each individual Fellow.

SELECTION/ARRIVAL TIMELINE

  • Application deadline is January 19, 2025. 

  • All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and each applicant will be notified no later than February 6, 2025 of their status.  

  • Final decisions on 2025 Lantos Congressional Fellows will be concluded by March 7, 2025.