About the fellowship

The Congressional Tech & Policy Fellowship is a pilot program of the Tech and Public Policy Program at Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy, and was made possible by the support of the Hewlett Foundation and the Packard Foundation.

Designed to be practical and directly relevant to legislative professionals, the program emphasizes that the ultimate success of policy comes through implementation, which is now inseparable from technology. The course focuses on the levers within the reach of legislators to enable better implementation.

For years, people working in the civic tech arena have been highlighting the need for public institutions to have the capacity to effectively implement the technology that policy now depends on. McCourt leaned into the opportunity to pilot a program with Congressional staff because it is ultimately about something everyone can agree on: government institutions that are able to deliver on their promises to the public.

The fellows reflect the breadth of the legislative branch — bipartisan cohorts with representation from both chambers, member offices and committees, varying levels of seniority, and a wide range of policy expertise — united by a commitment to making the legislation they pass have the impact they intend.

The program was designed and led by Emily Tavoulareas, who brings nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of technology and public service — including as a founder of the U.S. Digital Service and as Senior Advisor to the White House Chief Technology Officer. She has spent the years since studying, teaching, and writing about what it actually takes for government to deliver on its promises.

Applications

Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are now closed. Applications for the Spring 2027 cohort will open later in the fall 2026. Contact Maria Sanchez (ms5271@georgetown.edu) to be notified when applications open.
Eligibility: This is a bipartisan fellowship, open to congressional staffers involved in policy development, legislative drafting, or program oversight.