By Ashley Bradley, USCM Intern
November 1, 2004

The President's Commission on White House Fellowships has announced a Feb. 1, 2005 deadline for applicants for one of our country's most prestigious programs for leadership and public service.

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson established the White House Fellows Program. This non-partisan program was designed to give qualified young adults first hand experience in high-level positions of the Federal government. Through a specially crafted education plan, White House Fellows are expected to gain an intense knowledge of the inner workings of the Federal government in order to enhance their sense of leadership and participation in society and national affairs.

Of over 1,000 program applicants, 11 to19 are selected to work as paid assistants to members of the Cabinet, the Vice President, the Senior Staff of the White House, and top ranking Federal officials. Those chosen serve for a one-year, full-time period. In their year of service Fellows will engage in an education program with leaders from the public and private sectors and attend international and domestic policy classes. This education program is intended to give the selected young adults the experiences vital to the healthy functioning of our government.

Applicants undergo a thorough selection process. Applicants must be citizens of the United States; all Federal employees are ineligible, except for career military personnel. A background of strong leadership, dedication to public service, and remarkable achievement in early careers is essential. While there are no formal age restrictions, potential Fellows are expected to have their undergraduate education completed and to be presently working in their respective field. The application itself contains many different components, including educational, professional, and voluntary experience, a memorandum for the president, and an outline of lifetime goals and ambitions.

The selection process begins on February 1 (application deadline) and continues through June. Over this duration applicants are narrowed down to regional, and later to national, finalists based on a series of interviews. During July, selected Fellows are placed in positions within agencies of the Executive Branch. The Fellowship Year begins in September and continues until the following August.

The Program is now accepting applications for the next Fellowship Year. While placement is limited, all who consider themselves eligible are highly encouraged to apply. This non-partisan program has fostered a legacy of leadership, with nearly 600 alumni who are respected as leaders across the country and in the professions. Alumni include Secretary of State Colin Powell, Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, American Red Cross President Marsha Evans, and former CNN President Tom Johnson.

The White House Fellows Program website — whitehouse.gov/fellows — is the primary and most convenient source of information, and also contains a downloadable application. Please contact the program office at 202-395-4522 if you need copies of any of these of materials:

• A Program Brochure, Application, and Program DVD
• A Recruiting Email Message
• A Program Fact Sheet