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THE WHITE HOUSE FELLOWS PROGRAM
PROGRAM
Leadership and Public Service

PROGRAM MISSION

[image: White House Fellows speaking with President Bush]

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.

BECOME A WHITE HOUSE FELLOW

[image: Fellows enjoy a discussion with Vice President Cheney.]

Being a White House Fellow is a once-in-alifetime opportunity. Fellows work hand-in-hand with leaders in government. They participate in informal, off-the-record talks with leading representatives from the worlds of business, the arts, science and technology, media, and politics. White House Fellows travel abroad to explore issues of global significance. They travel at home to see U.S. policy in action. And Fellows forge life-long friend-ships with the other remarkable men and women who share this unparalleled experience.

Engagement in the work of the Federal government lies at the heart of a White House Fellowship. White House Fellows typically spend a year as full-time, paid assistants to senior White House Staff, the VicePresident, Cabinet Secretaries, and other top-ranking government officials. Responsibilities range from chairing interagency meetings and designing and implementing federal policies, to drafting speeches for Cabinet Secretaries and representing their agencies on Capitol Hill and in international treaty negotiations.

An education program is. another central aspect of the Fellowship experience. White House Fellows participate in off-the-record, frank discussions with leaders from the private and public sectors. Fellows also study U.S. policy in action both domestically and abroad by participating in several policy study trips throughout the year. The most enriching component of the White House Fellows Program springs from regular interaction between class members, which often results in enduring friendships between Fellows. White House Fellows convene yearly at alumni meetings in Washington, D.C., and eagerly welcome new Fellows into what is considered by many to be the most prestigious network of professionals and leaders in the nation.

Since 1965, the White House Fellowships have offered outstanding Americans the opportunity to learn and grow, to connect with each other and the world around them. In return for the privilege of participating in the Fellowship year, most Fellows have gone on to apply what they learned by contributing to the nation as greater leaders in their respective communities, professions, and in public service, thereby fulfilling the mission of the program.

[image: White House Fellows Class of 2003-2004 with Dr. Condoleezza Rice. National Security Advisor.]

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection as a White House Fellow 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 possession of knowledge and skills necessary to contribute successfully at the highest levels of the Federal government.

[image: White House Fellow Nazanin Samari-Kermani with Secretary of State Colin Powell.]

"The White House Fellows Program is a way for you to gain and for you to improve, but really is about what you can do for society after the year is over."
Secretary of State Colin Powell (WHF `72-73)

PREREQUISITES

♦ 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 and be working in their chosen professions.
♦ 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.

[image: White House Fellow consulting with Tom Ridge.]

"White House Fellows have made significant contributions to the formation and success of the Department. It is an outstanding program that places exceptional individuals into the top levels of government to observe and con-tribute to the work of the
Executive Branch in Washington."
Tom Ridge, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

PROCESS& PROCEDURES

FEBRUARY 1
Application Deadline
Applications must be postmarked on or before this date to be accepted.

MARCH/APRIL
Regional Finalists Selection
Applicants are notified whether they have been selected as regional finalists, and of the time and location for regional interviews. Regional finalists must keep a flexible schedule until panel assignments are announced. It is not likely that the assignments can be changed.

APRIL
National Finalists Selection
National finalists selected from the regional interviews are notified. The national finalist list is posted on the website and announced by the White House Press Office.

JUNE
Selection Weekend
National finalists are interviewed over a 2 1/2 day period by members of the President's
Commission on White House Fellowships at a location near Washington, D.C.

Presidential Selection
The White House Press Office announces the President's official selection of the incoming class of White House Fellows.

JULY
Placement Week
Fellows interview with principals in government agencies for their fellowship year work assignments.

SEPTEMBER 1 TO AUGUST 31
Inclusive dates of the Fellowship year.

"In founding the White House Fellows Program, President Johnson hoped to provide our nation's finest young men and women with an opportunity to know and understand the responsibilities and the challenges of public service."
Lady Bird Johnson, 3/1/73

PRESIDENT'S COMMISSION ON WHITE HOUSE FELLOWSHIPS
Washington, D.C. 20503
202.395.4522 (phone)
202.395.6179 (fax)
www.whitehouse.gov/fellows

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