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 young men and women 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 renowned leaders from the private and public sectors, and trips to study U.S. policy in action both domestically and internationally. Fellowships are awarded on a strictly non-partisan basis.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
- Employees of the Federal government are not eligible unless they are career military personnel.
- Applicants must have completed their undergraduate education by the time they begin the application process.
- There are no formal age restrictions. However, the Fellowship program was created to give selected Americans the experience of government service early in their careers.
Period of Study
The Fellowship consists of a year of service, beginning toward the end of August of one year and ending in August the following year.
Special Considerations
Selection as a White House Fellow extremely competitive and is based on a combination of the following criteria:
- A record of remarkable professional achievement early in one’s career.
- Evidence of leadership skills and the potential for further growth.
- A demonstrated commitment to public service.
- The skills to succeed at the highest levels of the Federal government, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Award
Fellows are considered Federal employees, and receive a competitive salary during their one year fellowship. Military personnel, however, maintain their current salary and benefits.
Application
The application is available on the White House Fellows website.
Deadline(s)
The application opens in November and the program deadline is in January.
Details
Class Year
- Recent Graduate
- Post-baccalaureate
Discipline
- Arts
- Business
- Communication
- Education
- Health
- Humanities
- International Affairs
- Public Affairs/Government
- Social Sciences
- STEM
- Multiple
Duration
- Yearlong
Program Type
- Post-Graduate
- Professional
- Public Service
Region
- DC