Alliance for Health Policy Opens Applications for the 2026 Bipartisan Learning Communities Congressional Fellowship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 18, 2025

Alliance for Health Policy Opens Applications for the 2026 Bipartisan Learning Communities Congressional Fellowship

– Second annual nonpartisan educational and professional development program equips rising congressional staff for health policy leadership

Washington, D.C. — The Alliance for Health Policy announces that applications are now open for the second annual Bipartisan Learning Communities (BLC) Congressional Fellowship, a nonpartisan leadership and professional development program designed to build health policy capacity, confidence, and collaboration among early- to mid-career congressional staff.

In its first year, 28 fellows completed the BLC Fellowship program, which launched in 2025 to meet the growing demand for structured, high-quality health policy learning on Capitol Hill. Over 10 months, the fellowship equips participants with foundational health policy knowledge, Hill-relevant skills, and a stronger understanding of the legislative process. The curriculum was shaped through direct input from senior Hill staff and national education experts, reflecting the unique learning needs of today’s rising health policy leaders on the Hill.

“It speaks volumes that 100% of our surveyed 2025 BLC fellows would recommend the fellowship to other staffers. Their response shows that this fellowship’s focus on health care policy knowledge, practical skill-building, and professional networks is useful and welcome,” said Claire Sheahan, M.Sc., President and CEO of the Alliance for Health Policy. “In year two, our goal is to continue engaging with the growing number of Hill staff tracking health policy issues and deliver high-quality, eye-opening education on landmark legislation and the mechanics of Congress, lessons they can immediately apply to their day-to-day work on the Hill.”

“The most powerful part of the BLC Fellowship for me was the genuine bipartisan space it created. We put away our laptops and engaged face-to-face with colleagues and veteran policymakers in a way that encouraged real dialogue,” said Jonathan Kupperman, 2025 BLC Fellow and Legislative Director to Rep. Jodey Arrington. “Those connections didn’t end with the fellowship. Some of us went on to introduce bipartisan legislation together. We’re all here to make a difference, and this program gives fellows a place to do that.”

“The BLC Fellowship fundamentally changed how I approach my work on the Hill. The skill-building helped me grow into the kind of leader I want to be,” said Ornella Musinguzi, 2025 BLC Fellow and Legislative Correspondent to Sen. Van Hollen. “I used to think leadership was reserved for senior staff, but this program showed me you can lead from any level.”

The Alliance invites early- to mid-career congressional staff, typically those with up to five years of full-time experience, to apply. Prior health policy experience is not required. Applicants need only have a demonstrated interest in expanding their health policy knowledge and engaging with a bipartisan network.

The fellowship is offered at no cost to participants. The deadline to apply is February 9, 2026. To learn more, apply, or nominate a candidate, visit allhealthpolicy.org/fellowship.

The BLC Fellowship is made possible by generous support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

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.