CFAs: White House Fellows Program (US)

After a competitive application process, selected individuals spend a year in Washington, D.C. working as a full-time, paid fellow aiding Cabinet Secretaries, senior White House staff, 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. Fellowships are awarded on a strictly non-partisan basis. More than 800 Americans have been White House Fellows. Through this rich diversity of talent and experience, the Fellows family is united by an enduring commitment to public service.

Components 

• Work Placement: The primary aim of the fellowship is to place the fellows in a work environment where positive role models provide mentorship and guidance. The work placement is at the highest levels of government, and fellows serve as special assistants to cabinet officers and senior White House Staff in order to tap the fellows’ full capacity and develop their abilities further. Fellows are not always assigned to an agency associated with the fellow’s area of expertise.
• Education Program: The education program supplements the fellows’ experience in their placements by providing off-the-record, candid discussions with distinguished leaders. Through the education program, fellows gain valuable insights into the decision-making processes used to solve complex issues. They also learn about various management philosophies and leadership styles.
• Policy Trips: In some years, fellows may have the opportunity to conduct policy trips in the US, and potentially abroad, that allow them to explore firsthand the impact of national and foreign policy.
• Class Fellowship: Among the most enriching components of the program is class fellowship, which often results in enduring friendships. Alumni convene at yearly meetings in Washington, DC and welcome new fellows into one of the most prestigious networks of professionals and leaders in the country.

Eligibility Criteria

• 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.

Selection Criteria

• 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 skills to succeed at the highest levels of the Federal government, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

For more information, visit White House Fellows Foundation & Association.