McAuliffe launches 2016 Fellows Program

Published 3:01 pm Thursday, November 19, 2015

Governor Terry McAuliffe has announced the launch of the 2016 Governor’s Fellows Program (GFP). The GFP offers rising and graduating college seniors and graduate students the opportunity to learn directly under Cabinet secretaries in the commonwealth’s executive office during the summer.

“The GFP gives young, driven individuals a chance to gain hands-on experience,” McAuliffe said. “Fellows are granted the opportunity to see the day-in and day-out operations of the commonwealth’s highest elected office. Each year, our program receives a high number of qualified applicants. Fellows who are chosen display a passion for investing their time, energy and effort in serving the citizens of Virginia.”

Chief of Staff Paul Reagan explained the importance of the Fellows Program. “Each summer, we offer students a chance to gain invaluable knowledge and experience about state government,” he said. “Each Fellow is able to work closely with our staff to make an impact in Virginia, regardless of whether they are working under a cabinet secretary, assisting the policy team, or working with the communications team.”

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This highly competitive program has been offered to college students around Virginia since 1982. Previous members have gone on to pursue careers in various levels of state and federal government, each using their skills acquired during their Fellows experience.

“Looking back at my Governor’s Fellows experience during the Warner administration, I can safely say the opportunities it afforded me to learn from the best and brightest individuals in government cannot be replicated,” Secretary of the Commonwealth Levar M. Stoney said. “The relationships that this program helped me build will stay with me for the rest of my life. I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in today, had it not been for the Governor’s Fellows program, and it is without a doubt preparing leaders for generations to come.”

Qualified applicants must be rising college seniors, graduating college seniors or enrolled as degree candidates in a graduate/professional school enrolled in a Virginia college/university or a Virginia resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution, be able to demonstrate leadership ability and academic excellence and be involved in extracurricular activities and active in community service.

The deadline to apply for the GFP is March 1, 2016 at noon. Program directors will review applications and be in contact for interviews April 1-30. Decisions will be issued starting the week of May 1. The program runs from June 1-July 31, 2016. Applicants should submit their recommendation letters and transcripts to: Governor’s Fellows Program Directors, Attn: Asif Bhavnagri and Jasmine Jackson, Patrick Henry Building, 1111 East Broad Street, Richmond, Va. 23219.

For more information visit governor.virginia.gov/Fellows.