Catherine Acuff Congressional Fellowship

The purpose of this fellowship is to provide mid-career psychologists with an invaluable public policy learning experience, to contribute to the more effective use of psychological knowledge in governmen, and to broaden awareness about the value of psychology/government interaction among psychologists and within the federal government.

Deadline: January 7, 2010
Sponsor: Government Relations

Established by APA in 2000 to honor the memory of Catherine Acuff, Ph.D., and her many valued contributions to the field of psychology and to those it serves. Applicants for this Fellowship must have five or more years of experience post-doctorate. The mid-career nature of this program reflects Dr. Acuff’s transition to the public policy arena from private practice and academia. Fellows spend one year working on the staff of a member of Congress or congressional committee. Activities may involve drafting legislation, conducting oversight work, assisting with congressional hearings and events, and preparing briefs and speeches. Fellows also attend a two week orientation program on congressional and executive branch operations, which includes guidance in the congressional placement process, and participate in a year-long seminar series on science and public policy issues. The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) administers these aspects of the program for the APA Fellows and for fellows sponsored by over two dozen other professional societies.

APA will sponsor up to one Fellow for a one-year appointment beginning September 1, 2010. The Fellowship stipend ranges from $70,000 to $75,000, depending upon years of post-doctoral experience. In addition, APA provides $375 per month for health insurance and funding may also be available for professional development and relocation expenses during the Fellowship year. Final selection of Fellows will be made in early spring of 2010.

Catherine Acuff, Ph.D., a dedicated psychologist, advocate, and humanitarian, was a member of the APA Board of Directors when she died on April 21, 2000, at age 51. The mid-career nature of this Fellowship reflects Dr. Acuff's transition to the public policy arena, including advocacy for lesbian, gay, and bisexual and HIV/AIDS issues, following her years in private practice, on the faculty of local colleges and hospital-based clinical training programs, and as President of the Connecticut Psychological Association. At the time of her death, Dr. Acuff was the Director of the HIV/AIDS Treatment Adherence, Health Outcomes, and Associated Costs Program for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

A prospective Fellow must demonstrate competence in scientific and/or professional psychology. Fellows must also demonstrate sensitivity toward policy issues and have a strong interest in applying psychological knowledge to the solution of societal challenges. Fellows must be able to work quickly and communicate effectively on a wide variety of topics and be able to work cooperatively with individuals with diverse viewpoints. An applicant must be a psychologist, a member of APA (or applicant for membership), and a U.S. citizen. They must have a doctorate in psychology (from an APA accredited doctoral program and internship, if in the area of professional psychology) or related field, with a minimum of five years of experience post-doctorate by the application deadline.

All materials must be postmarked by January 7, 2010. The application includes: (1) a completed APA Congressional Fellowship Application Coversheet; (2) a detailed curriculum vita providing information about educational background, professional employment and activities, professional publications and presentations, public policy and legislative experience, and committee and advisory group appointments; (3) a statement of approximately 1000 words addressing the applicant's interests in the Fellowship, career goals, and what the applicant can contribute to and learn from the experience; and (4) three letters of reference, included with the application, specifically addressing the applicant's ability to serve successfully on Capitol Hill as a Congressional Fellow. Application materials should be sent to: Congressional Fellowship Program, Government Relations Office, Public Interest Directorate, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002-4242. For additional information, please contact Micah Haskell-Hoehl, Program Administrator, at (202) 336-5935 or visit the Fellowship Web site.

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