WASHINGTON, D.C., August. 12, 2025—With a salary increase, the Fellowship for American Statecraft remains the highest-paid internship in Washington, D.C. On Tuesday, American Moment announced a pay raise for its flagship program, the Fellowship for American Statecraft. Fellows will now receive a stipend of $3,250 per month for three months, plus a $250 signing bonus, 401(k) matching, gym benefits, and a $100 monthly credit for networking coffees and lunches. All told, each Fellow receives nearly $15,000 in total value over the course of the 12-week program — an unprecedented investment in young talent on the right-of-center. 

When we launched in 2021, it raised eyebrows that our Fellows earned $3,000 a month, especially in a city where unpaid internships are still the norm. Four years later, the success of the program proves what we knew all along: the best way to attract top talent is to pay them what they’re worth.  

Why do this now? Because Washington’s structure continues to price out many talented, under-credentialed conservatives in favor of well-connected young people. Lingering Biden-era inflation has only worsened this issue, especially for those raising kids or just starting their career. Entry-level salaries on Capitol Hill remain low, and lowly-paid internships are the norm.  

“The Fellowship for American Statecraft remains American Moment’s top priority for credentialing aligned and capable elite talent. This program has trained the most promising staff of this generation, many of them currently serving in high-leverage roles in this administration.” said American Moment CEO Nick Solheim. 

As of 2024, the average age of a House staffer was 31 — with nearly 60% under 30. These aren’t just tomorrow’s leaders — they shape policy today. Since 2021, our programs already punch above their weight. Members in our network and recent program graduates include legislative directors, press secretaries, schedulers, special assistants, and senior advisors across Capitol Hill and the Trump Administration.  

The pay increase will take effect beginning with the Spring 2025 cohort. Applications are open on a rolling basis, but will formally begin next week.

About the Fellowship for American Statecraft 

Through the Fellowship, American Moment selects, trains, and places top graduates in key Washington institutions. In just three months, we transform young parents, recent graduates, teachers, and veterans into skilled policy entrepreneurs. Fellows receive $3,250/month while interning on Capitol Hill, Executive Branch offices, or policy nonprofits, with reduced-cost housing available. With over 100 alumni, our graduates have gone on to serve as policymakers, legislative aides on Capitol Hill, and senior staff. 

American Moment 

Founded in 2021, American Moment exists to identify, educate, and credential young Americans who will implement public policy that supports strong families, a sovereign nation, and prosperity for all.

American Moment trains policy staff and young minds through its four core programs: the Fellowship for American Statecraft, Foundations of American Statecraft, Frontiers of American Statecraft, and AMFridays. American Moment is also the publisher of monthly policy-specific Study Guides, and producer of its flagship podcast, Moment of Truth.

American Moment’s work has been featured by Politico Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Examiner, The Atlantic, Semafor, Axios, The Washington Post, The Daily Wire, The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, Tech Crunch, and many others.

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