The White House Fellowships -- Link to Website

The President's Commission on White House Fellowships offers up to 19 Fellowships each year giving outstanding, promising Americans the opportunity to receive a first-hand introduction to the workings of the federal government at the highest level. The intensive work experience is the Fellowship's core. White House Fellows spend a year as full-time paid assistants to senior White House staff, the Vice President, Cabinet officers, and other top-ranking government officials. Their assignments demand a capacity for learning quickly and a willingness to work hard. Typically, Fellows write speeches, help draft and review proposed legislation, answer Congressional inquiries, chair meetings, and conduct briefings.

In addition to their work assignments, the Fellows take part in an educational program that supplements their work and gives them the opportunity to study and travel as a group. Through a series of off- the-record meeting with senior government officials, journalists, community and military leaders, business executives, artists and scholars, the program exposes Fellows to a wide range of national and international issues and opinions.

Candidates are judged on the basis of their professional, academic, athletic, artistic, and other accomplishments, and on their demonstrated interest in public service. Since the fellowship program is designed to nurture future leaders, rather than to reward established ones, evidence of growth potential is also a key criterion in the selection process.

The selection process is very competitive, and the application form is designed to reveal remarkable achievement early in an applicant's career, demonstrated leadership qualities, a commitment to serve others, and the skills required for a successful year as a special assistant to a high level government official

Job assignments are made by the Commission staff on the basis of placement week interviews and in consultation with agency officials. Fellows receive a salary and benefits from the agency where they work (approximately $66,000). At the end of the Fellowship year, most Fellows return to their homes and their former occupations more experienced in public policy decision-making and better prepared to contribute to their professions, their communities, and the country.

DEADLINE: February 1. Selection by mid-June

ADDRESS: White House Fellows Program, c/o O.P.M. - Sheila Coates, 1900 E Street, NW, Room B431, Washington, DC 20415

TELEPHONE: 202-606-1818