Gubernatorial Fellows program deadline is approaching

February 22, 2010

Gainesville, Fla. — Gov. Charlie Crist invites college and university students to apply for the 2010-2011 Gubernatorial Fellows program. Participation in the program provides Florida college and university students with firsthand, high-level experience and insight into how government operates. Established in 2004 and endowed by Al and Dawn Hoffman in 2005, the program gives Florida college and university students the unique opportunity to work alongside state government’s top staff for two semesters.

The Gubernatorial Fellows program provides students from all academic disciplines who are interested in public service with the opportunity to gain experience and exposure by working in key areas of government. Gubernatorial Fellows are assigned to the Executive Office of the Governor and the Governor’s agencies, based on their major or area of concentration. Fellows work a minimum of 20 hours per week and are paid for their time on the job. In most cases, tuition is waived for program participants.

Fellows also participate in a weekly lecture series, where they meet face-to-face with prominent leaders, including Governor Crist, Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Cabinet officers, agency heads and other top government officials. Fellows also travel throughout Florida and to Washington, D.C. to meet with local and federal government officials. These additional commitments are designed to broaden the Fellows’ exposure to government and enhance the experience of all participants.

To be eligible for a Gubernatorial Fellowship, candidates should be enrolled at a Florida college or university as an upperclassman (junior or senior) or a graduate student. Applicants should exhibit strong leadership, written and oral communication skills, community activism and a desire to serve the people of Florida. Approximately 12 students from around the state will be selected based on a competitive application process. Preference is given to graduate students.

Applications are due by March 19, 2010. The Fellowship will follow the university calendar starting in August 2010 and ending in May 2011. The Governor’s screening and selection committee will announce the program participants during the first week of June 2010.

For more information about the Gubernatorial Fellowship program, please visit www.FloridaFellows.com or visit the Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/floridafellows.