Each participant is placed in a Congressional office or with committee staff based on a skill matching process by the USDA Graduate School.
Care is given to consider both participant interest and the needs of the agency.
Participants develop Legislative issues that provide an in-depth understanding of the operations and the specialized terminology of the Hill. Throughout the year each participant is supported with mentoring and educational seminars. The assignments involve the development of legislation or the support of Legislative or constituent issues. Fellows will attend regular educational seminars throughout the program which focus on Congressional operations and pressing Legislative issues on the Hill.