The Alliance for Health Policy Celebrates the Conclusion of the First Year for the Bipartisan Learning Communities Congressional Fellowship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 24, 2025

The Alliance for Health Policy Celebrates the Conclusion of the First Year for the Bipartisan Learning Communities Congressional Fellowship

– Reception event highlights the benefits of connecting today’s health policy giants with next generation of rising stars, marks completion of fellowship for 28 congressional staffers

Washington, D.C. — The Alliance for Health Policy is proud to celebrate the conclusion of the 2025 Bipartisan Learning Communities (BLC) Congressional Fellowship, a first-of-its-kind, nonpartisan leadership and professional development program designed to build capacity and confidence among early- to-mid career congressional staff navigating complex health policy challenges.

The inaugural cohort concludes with 28 congressional fellows recognized for their work and commitment to deepening their understanding of health policy and engaging in bipartisan learning. A final reception was held on November 20, 2025 at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill, where the Alliance celebrated the fellows and honored the more than 30 guest speakers who contributed their time, expertise, and insights to the BLC Fellowship program.

“As we close out the first year of the BLC Fellowship, we want to recognize not only the incredible fellows who took part in this journey, but the community that supported them. The experts, mentors, and congressional staffers who contributed to this program ensured that this practical and inspiring learning opportunity went from idea to reality,” said Claire Sheahan, M.Sc., President and CEO of the Alliance for Health Policy. “These fellows are tomorrow’s health policy leaders, and thanks to the contribution of today’s health policy giants, they’re more prepared than ever to lead with insight, curiosity, and a commitment to collaboration. This opportunity for customized bipartisan learning about health policy simply didn’t exist before, and with the help of our funder, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, we’re ready to take this great momentum and think about Fellows and Alumni in the years to come.”

Launched in January 2025 with guidance from senior Hill staff and a working group of national education experts, the 10-month BLC Fellowship equips participants with foundational health policy knowledge, Hill-relevant skills, and a stronger understanding of the legislative process. Fellows, drawn from both chambers and both parties, participated in monthly educational sessions focused on professional growth and technical skill-building, while fostering bipartisan learning and mentorship from leaders across the health policy ecosystem.

Program sessions and events were tailored to fellows’ needs, aligned with their official duties, and facilitated by leading experts. Sessions included Hill-relevant topics like Reconciliation and How to Work with Committee Staff, and reviews of key policy milestones like the Affordable Care Act, the Inflation Recovery Act and the Medicare Modernization Act, among others.

At the November 20 reception, the Alliance unveiled “Health Policy Leader Trading Cards,” collectible-style cards that honor and celebrate both the fellows and the cross-sector experts who contributed to their learning throughout the year. The trading card collection is available to view on the Alliance’s website.

2025 BLC Congressional Fellows Receiving Completion Certificates

The BLC Fellowship is made possible by generous support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. For more information about the program and the 2025 fellowship cohort, visit our website.

Applications for the 2026 BLC Congressional Fellowship will open soon. Sign up to be notified when applications are live.

About the Bipartisan Learning Communities (BLC) Congressional Fellowship

The BLC Congressional Fellowship is a first-of-its-kind, nonpartisan leadership and professional development program offered by the Alliance for Health Policy for early- to mid-career congressional staff. Developed in collaboration with senior Hill leaders and national education experts, the 10-month fellowship equips participants with foundational health policy knowledge, Hill-relevant skills, and a stronger understanding of the legislative process.

About the Alliance for Health Policy

The Alliance for Health Policy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding of health policy issues. Through educational events and resources, the Alliance informs policymakers, the media, and the public about health policy issues and promotes evidence-based solutions.

For media inquiries related to this announcement, please contact Carolyn Sobczyk at csobczyk@allhealthpolicy.org.