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Published: 05 Nov 2024 629 views
Founded in 1964 by Lyndon B. Johnson, the White House Fellows program is one of America’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. White House Fellowships offer exceptional emerging leaders first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the Federal government.
Selected individuals typically spend a year working as a full-time, paid Fellow to senior White House Staff, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking government officials. Fellows also participate in an education program consisting of roundtable discussions with leaders from the private and public sectors, and potential trips to study U.S. policy in action both domestically and internationally. Fellowships are awarded on a strictly non-partisan basis.
The mission statement adopted in 1964 by the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships:
“The purpose of the White House Fellows program is to provide gifted and highly motivated emerging leaders with some first-hand experience in the process of governing the Nation and a sense of personal involvement in the leadership of society.”
It is essential to the healthy functioning of our system that we have in the non-governmental sector a generous supply of leaders who have an understanding— gained first hand— of the challenges that our national government faces. At a time when people feel increasingly removed and isolated from the centers of power and decision-making, such leaders can help their fellow citizens comprehend the process by which the Nation is governed. The White House Fellows Program is designed to give superbly qualified Americans precisely those experiences.
The White House Fellowship has been and continues to be a non-partisan program. This tradition has been strictly maintained during both Republican and Democratic administrations and, through the cross-fertilization of ideas and experience, has resulted in an enriched practice of public policy for more than five decades.
Declaring that “a genuinely free society cannot be a spectator society,” President Lyndon B. Johnson announced the establishment of the White House Fellows Program in the East Room of the White House in October 1964. Prompted by the suggestion of John W. Gardner, then President of the Carnegie Corporation, President Johnson’s intent was to draw individuals of exceptionally high promise to Washington for one year of personal involvement in the process of government.
The mission of the non-partisan White House Fellows Program, as envisioned by President Johnson, was, in his words, “to give the Fellows first hand, high-level experience with the workings of the Federal government and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs.” In return for the Fellowship year, President Johnson expected the Fellows to “repay that privilege” when they left by “continuing to work as private citizens on their public agendas.” He hoped that the Fellows would contribute to the nation as future leaders.
Today, the mission remains the same: to encourage active citizenship and service to the Nation.
Notable alumni include award-winning presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Former Secretary of State and General Colin Powell, and more.
Within the Biden-Harris Administration, notable White House Fellow alumni include Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Deputy Secretary of State Dr. Kurt M. Campbell, U.S. Ambassador to Panama Mari Carmen Aponte, Assistant to the President and National Economic Council Director Dr. Lael Brainard, Assistant to the President and Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, and Deputy Assistant to the President & Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber & Emerging Technology Anne Neuberger.
We invite all interested and qualified candidates to apply to the White House Fellows Program. The office is committed to providing reasonable accommodation as required under the law to persons with disabilities throughout the application process and the program. If you require reasonable accommodation, please contact [email protected] or call (202) 395-4522.
| Application Deadline | Not Specified |
| Country to study | United States |
| Type | Fellowship |
| Course to study | View courses |
| Sponsor | White House |
| Gender | Men and Women |
The aim of the White House Fellows program is to provide gifted and highly motivated emerging leaders with some first-hand experience in the process of governing the Nation and a sense of personal involvement in the leadership of society.
Benefits:
Being a White House Fellow is an honor, a privilege, and a full-time commitment. Fellows are expected to fully engage in their work placement, which lies at the heart of a White House Fellowship. Work placements can offer unparalleled experience working with Cabinet and White House officials on challenging issues. The work often requires long hours and, at times, may also require travel on behalf of the agency.
The Education Program augments and enhances the work experience.
In addition to their work placement and Education Program, the Fellows also participate in community service projects during their year in Washington, D.C.
Applicants must meet these requirements by the time they submit their application.
The Commission awards Fellowships on a strictly non-partisan basis, and encourages balance and diversity in all aspects of the program.
Selection as a White House Fellow is based on a combination of the following criteria:
All these qualities combined with the strength of one’s character, a positive attitude, and the ability to work well with others are taken into consideration when selecting a class of White House Fellows.
The selection process is very competitive. The White House Fellows Program office processes the applications and former Fellows screen the applications to identify the most promising candidates. Approximately 100 of the most qualified applicants are selected to be Regional Finalists and are interviewed by eight to ten regional panels, which are composed of prominent local citizens.
Regional Finalists are expected to participate in an evening and one day of interviews that determine the selection of the National Finalists. Travel arrangements are the responsibility of each Regional Finalist. The interviews are scheduled during the Spring with 10 – 13 finalists participating in each panel. Interviews are conducted by panels of distinguished citizens from the region where each panel is held. Based on the results of their interviews, the regional panels select approximately thirty candidates to proceed as National Finalists.
All National Finalists are required to undergo comprehensive background investigations to ensure that they qualify for the security clearance necessary for their fellowship work assignments. National Finalists participate in “Selection Weekend,” which is three evenings and two days of interviews with members of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. The Commission provides lodging and travel. During Selection Weekend, the Commissioners interview finalists at a location near Washington, D.C. After spending Selection Weekend interviewing, interacting with, and observing the National Finalists, the Commissioners recommend those individuals (between 11 and 19) it finds most qualified for the fellowship to the President for appointment as White House Fellows.
The Commission awards Fellowships on a strictly non-partisan basis, and encourages balance and diversity in all aspects of the program.
Live Application Period
The application is open each year from November to early January. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their application has been submitted in its entirety.
Regional Finalist Selection
Applicants are notified in March if they have been selected as Regional Finalists. If selected, they will be notified of the time and location for regional interviews. Panel interviews are conducted during the Spring. Regional Finalists must keep a flexible schedule until panel assignments are announced. It is not likely that the assignment can be changed. Regional Finalists must submit extensive security background investigation forms upon notification of their selection.
National Finalists Notification
National Finalists selected from the regional interviews are notified at the beginning of May. All National Finalists undergo background investigations before proceeding with the selection process.
Selection Weekend
National Finalists are interviewed over a two-and-a-half day period by the members of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. The Commission then recommends a class of Fellows to the President. Lodging and airfare in the United States are paid by the Commission.
Selection Weekend typically begins the Thursday after Memorial Day.
Presidential Selection
The White House Fellows Program office notifies the candidates appointed by the President as White House Fellows.
Placement Week
Fellows interview with principals in government agencies during Placement Week which generally occurs in the middle of July. The principals and Fellows indicate their desired preferences to the Program Director. The Director determines the placement of each Fellow in a work assignment. Lodging and airfare in the United States are paid by the Commission.
Inclusive dates of the Fellowship year.
For more details visit: The White House website.
