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The Emerging Congressional Staff Leaders program offers a unique opportunity for veteran congressional staff to share expertise and knowledge with individuals who have demonstrated significant leadership potential during the early stages of their careers on Capitol Hill.  Launched as a pilot program in the 106th Congress, the Emerging Leaders program matches Senior Stennis Fellows as mentors to less experienced congressional aides.

The program, designed by a group of Senior Stennis Fellows, reflects their desire to reach out to help develop newer staff members who demonstrate a commitment to a career on Capitol Hill.  Through a combination of one-on-one mentoring and group discussions, the program nurtures leadership skills and fosters a commitment to public service among congressional staff.

 “Working on Capitol Hill is an amazing experience, but for a young staffer, it can also be confusing and intimidating,” according to Rock Cheung, a junior analyst on the Senate Budget Committee.  “There are few formal opportunities for junior staff to receive mentoring from senior staff, especially on a one-on-one basis.  The Emerging Leaders program has reinforced my passion for public service.  It has also developed in me a deeper, more profound appreciation for Congress and the men and women who truly make it great – the staff.”

The yearlong program matches each participating Emerging Leader with a Senior Stennis Fellow who serves as a mentor.  In the 108th Congress, 18 Emerging Leaders were paired with mentors.  Periodically, all mentors and Emerging Leaders meet together to explore topics such as building greater trust and civility among congressional staff.  Sessions also are held to help increase understanding of procedures on the House and Senator floors and navigating the congressional budget and appropriations processes. The mentors also provide advice on career paths and link Emerging Leaders to policy and political networks. 

Senior Stennis Fellow Rick Valentine, who worked as a senior aide to two United States Senators and as a U.S. Senate committee counsel, said, “It has been my privilege to participate as a mentor in the Emerging Leaders program every year since its inception.  It is an invaluable opportunity to provide some rising young Congressional staff stars with insights and guidance based on my own experience on Capitol Hill.  Equally important, being a mentor in the program has enabled me to pay a debt of gratitude to the institution of Congress for the chance to engage in an unusually satisfying and important form of public service during my years on the Hill.”