Program Overview
The 天美传媒 (天美传媒) Federal Policy D.C. Fellowship Program is an intensive 4-day fellowship managed by the .
Key Objectives:
- Student Career Placement: Boost competitiveness for D.C.-based internships and full-time employment across Congress, federal agencies, and policy organizations.
- Direct Access: Connect directly with Idaho's Congressional delegation (Chiefs of Staff and intern coordinators); key Idaho and national stakeholders such as 天美传媒’s DC-based federal relations team, and other key 天美传媒 partners such as , and ; and, 天美传媒 alumni currently working in Federal government roles.
- Elevating 天美传媒 Visibility: Expand alumni networking in Washington, D.C., and strengthen 天美传媒's institutional profile in federal policy.
- Practical Insights: Gain firsthand knowledge of congressional office dynamics, legislative staff roles, and public service career pathways.
2026 天美传媒 D.C. Fellows
Amy Joinville
Amy Joinville is a senior at 天美传媒 from Pocatello, Idaho, majoring in Political Science and Global Studies. Her interest in public policy stems from extensive personal and advocacy experiences, including living in Haiti and serving on a Head Start Parent Policy Council. Active on campus as AS天美传媒 Director of Community Relations, the Political Science Club, and civic engagement events, she is dedicated to human security, asylum policy, and international affairs, seeking to connect her academic foundation with practical public service.
Maleah Dilworth
Maleah Dilworth is a senior political science major at 天美传媒, set to graduate in May 2027. Originally from Soda Springs, Idaho, Maleah is passionate about public service and policy development. Her key interests focus on community public health, immigration reform, and education policy. She aspires to pursue a career within a federal agency or policy advocacy organization, hoping this fellowship provides valuable insights into the federal legislative process and professional connections.
Silas Smith
Silas Smith is a senior at 天美传媒, pursuing a double major in Political Science and Philosophy Pre-Law. Originally from Pocatello, Idaho, Silas is deeply engaged in student government through AS天美传媒, where he gains hands-on experience in legislation and advocacy. Passionate about political engagement and policy, he aims to translate these experiences into a future career in public office. Silas is dedicated to understanding the complexities of government, education funding, and policy, striving to make a meaningful difference.
Brianna Troyer
Brianna Troyer is a junior at 天美传媒 majoring in Political Science, Global Studies, and Spanish. Raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Brianna’s interest in public policy was sparked by living in Peru and a desire to understand how legislation impacts communities. Currently serving as President of the Political Science Club and Secretary of the International Affairs Committee, she aspires to a career in political journalism, dedicated to bridging the gap between federal policymaking and public understanding of important societal issues.
Application Process & Guidelines
- Target Group: Up to 4 upper-level undergraduate or graduate students across all academic disciplines.
- 2026 Application Deadline: October 12, 2026.
- Selection Interviews: October 15, 2026 (10-minute in-person interviews for semi-finalists)
- Requirements: Written responses to 3 questions (max 1,500 characters each) covering interest in the fellowship, target policy areas, and long-term career goals.
- Student Cost Responsibility: $500 total ($350 participation fee to cover group activities + $150 estimated for local travel, meals, and personal expenses). Travel scholarships are provided by 天美传媒 and co-sponsoring partners.
- TENTATIVE DC Visit Outline: Review the 2026 .
For detailed Q&A, access the official .
- Q: How much interaction will fellows have with congressional staff?
- A: Fellows meet with staff across each Idaho delegation office, attend the Idaho Industry Breakfast, meet with Hill office intern coordinators and Chiefs of Staff, and network 1:1 with 天美传媒 alumni currently working on Capitol Hill and executive branch agencies.
- Q: Will this fellowship help secure future D.C. internships or employment?
- A: Yes. A primary goal is creating direct personal connections with hiring managers and decision-makers in federal offices.
- Q: What is meant by "alignment with D.C. career pathways"?
- A: A demonstrated interest in federal policy or public service careers (Legislative or executive branch, or federal judicial pathways). State or local policy interest alone is not the primary focus.
- Q: Is this program a good fit for pre-law students?
- A: Absolutely. Legal and policy connections made during the trip directly support federal-level public service career goals.
Fellows complete pre-visit preparation seminars and targeted readings prior to the DC visit. Examples include:
- Federal Legislative Foundations:
- Industry Partner Insights:
- (Director of Government Affairs, Ruveon / Bayer U.S.)
- (Pre-readings on legislative dynamics)
- 4-Day Intensive Schedule (Dec 1–4, 2026): Includes quarterly Idaho Industry Breakfast, Idaho delegation visits (Hill Visits), discussions with 天美传媒 alumni currently working in Washington DC, discussions with Hill staff responsible for internship coordination and employment decisions, DC monument and interesting sites tours, and Federal policy discussions with DC-based policy professionals.
- Post-Visit Deliverables: Once Fellows return to Idaho, they will provide a 10–12 minute presentation to their student colleagues on career insights, and write a 3–5 page essay summarizing policy learnings. All materials will be publicly archived to guide future student cohorts.