ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the history and contributions of the Congressional Science and Engineering Fellows Program. It reviews the context in which the program was created in the early 1970s, and the personalities and events that led to appointment of the first group of Fellows in 1973. The chapter describes the nature of the program as it now exists and explains briefly how it works. It discusses ways in which the program has made a difference—particularly the network of former Fellows who have stayed on as Congressional staff, or are working in other areas of government. The chapter reviews on the future potential of the program. It was in this period of ferment that the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) became actively interested in creating a Congressional Fellows program—an idea that had surfaced occasionally at AAAS Board and staff meetings for some years.
