George H. W. Bush Congressional Fellowship

Throughout his lifetime, George Herbert Walker Bush was dedicated to the service of this nation. Six months after the United States’ entry into the Second World War, Bush enlisted in the US Navy. During this time, he served as a pilot. He was the youngest pilot to serve during WWII. In 1944, Bush’s plane was attacked and shot down but not before Bush managed to complete his attack on several enemy targets.

Upon leaving his service in the Navy, Bush attended Yale and shortly after graduating found himself in the policy making sphere. Bush served as a Texas Representative to the US House, Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Envoy to China, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Vice President, and finally President of the United States of America. 

George H. W. Bush is the personification of second service. In all the capacities he served, he always served America and its people. It is in that same spirit of second service that the American Freedom Fund awards the recipients of the George H. W. Bush Congressional Fellowship to its program. 

The George H. W. Bush Congressional Fellowship offers an exceptional opportunity for two highly accomplished students or recent graduates that have served this country and are currently using their GI Bill benefits to be placed and serve in an office of a military veteran Member of Congress. Duties can range from drafting responses to constituent inquires to researching major issues of the day concerning pending legislation – all while experiencing first-hand our Congress in action.

This program is designed to provide valuable mentorship opportunities, unique networking events, and access to a myriad of successful political and business leaders who live on and around Capitol Hill. George H. W. Bush Interns for Defense Policy are given the opportunity to attend distinguished speaker presentations, hosted dinners and receptions, and even significant theatre and sports events. They often participate in and receive recognition at the annual Manhattans, Martinis & Mistletoe gala, a black tie event typically attended by Members of Congress, military leaders, entertainment celebrities, and other notables at the historic National Museum of Women in the Arts.

This year, George H. W. Bush Fellows will receive a cash stipend, which may be used to assist with transportation and living expenses during the internship.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to all students who are U.S. residents, enrolled and in good standing at a state or private college or university, currently using their GI Educational Benefits,  who will be a rising junior or senior at the time of the internship.

The program is also open to any veteran looking to make the transition to Washington DC and has graduated within the past 12 months. 

Students must have and demonstrate a serious interest in pursuing a career in public service.

The American Freedom Fund seeks applicants who demonstrate superior academic and intellectual achievements; strong emotional IQ; uncommon maturity; peerless motivation to succeed in personal and public life; effective oral and written communication skills; the ability to work well independently and with others; outstanding trustworthiness and sound judgment; and strong self-initiative.

  • Fall 2019 applications close July 31, 2019.
  • Spring 2020 applications will open August 1, 2019.
  • Please click the above link to download the application and please remember to read all instructions.

Would you like more information about The George H. W. Bush Congressional Fellowship? Fill out the form below.

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