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LAUREN H. MCKEAGUE CLASS IV FELLOW "This is a truly exceptional experience. No other program offers the chance to learn so directly from our policymakers."

LIFE AS A FELLOW

Each Fellow's experience is unique, thanks to the broad diversity of projects through which they express their talents. But Fellows also come together for numerous activities. Here's what to expect:

Fellows live and work in Tallahassee throughout the program year and participate in Fellowship events in Tallahassee at least once a week, and often more frequently. They receive a $1,000 stipend for relocation expenses. Housing is entirely the Fellow's responsibility.

This program is open to full-time undergraduate (juniors and seniors) and graduate students statewide. In order to maintain full-time status, students take courses at Florida State University, online courses, or fulfill internship and directed independent study requirements.

The Fellowship maintains strong partnerships with public and private universities. In most cases, Fellows receive free tuition throughout the academic year.

For their project work, Fellows are considered Other Personal Services (OPS) employees and are paid $10 per hour for their work week, which can range from 20 to 40 hours. They are treated as high-level staff and are expected to perform at that level.

 PLACEMENT:

The Fellowship director and agency heads work carefully to match the interests and expertise of each selected Fellow with a complementary project.

State agencies where the Gubernatorial Fellows are currently implementing projects include: Education, Juvenile Justice, Management Services, and Emergency Management. Fellows also currently serve in the Executive Office of the Governor in the Office of Policy and Budget, Energy Office, Office of Drug Control, and Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development.

Click here to view sample projects.

 LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:

Each week, Fellows congregate to discuss each other's experiences and also hear from a guest lecturer (such as the Governor, Cabinet officers, agency heads or other top officials). Fellows are required to participate in a broad slate of government activities, including budget and policy briefings and press conferences.

Policy study trips: Fellowship alumni consistently refer to these trips as among the most rewarding experiences they've had. In addition to getting an inside look into operations at several state agencies in the Tallahassee area, Fellows take field trips to other cities.

These journeys include a visit to Florida's military headquarters in St. Augustine, a tour of the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Starke, and the crown jewel: a three-day visit in Washington, D.C. In the nation's capital, Fellows get to meet and speak at length with an array of leaders, including Florida's two U.S. Senators and members of Congress.

 POLICY PROPOSAL:

Fellows are expected to take the lead in determining solutions to issues facing Floridians today and in the future.

Fellows direct an independent case study wherein they identify a problem confronting the state or its government. They conduct comprehensive research, interview involved parties and individuals and propose a sound solution through a policy proposal.

A special honor is reserved for the most outstanding proposal each year.