The Need

Digital assets issues occupy a growing share of the legislative agenda; every day, Congressional aides advise their Members on issues from finance to environmental impacts to national security. It is critically important that lawmakers and government officials be well-versed in this technology and its advances.

Who Should Apply

The Wilson Center invites mid- to senior-level Congressional staff to participate in the Lab; the program is also open to exceptional rising leaders with a keen interest in digital assets who staff other U.S. policymakers. Applicants should possess a strong understanding of the legislative process and aspire to a career shaping national security policy. For more information, see our FAQ.

There is no cost to attend the Lab, but an application must be submitted in order to be selected.

Alumni Program

Participants who attend at least 4 out of 5 sessions join the Wilson Center Technology Labs Alumni Network. Alumni are invited to take part in exclusive Wilson Center events and programs, including private briefings, workshops, study trips, and high-level roundtables. During the seminar series, participants will also be in a position to draw on the expertise of the 150 resident scholars the Wilson Center hosts each year, a global network of academics and policymakers.

Congressional Digital Assets Lab Series

Applications Are Now Closed

The Digital Assets Lab focuses on core, fundamental concepts necessary to understanding digital assets: how blockchain technology works and its use cases, proof of stake vs. proof of work, the significance of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and stablecoins, securing the digital assets environment from malicious actors, and regulating digital assets amid rapid innovation. Each seminar is led by top technologists and scholars drawn from the private, public, and non-profit sectors. This seminar series will also include interactive components, in which participants are divided into groups and given scenarios to roleplay that emphasize the role of the legislative branch, as well as opportunities to network.

• Applications closed April 22. Labs are from 2-4pm on the following dates: May 6, May 13, May 20, June 3, and June 10.