Dec. 30, 2008 – Governor John P. deJongh Jr. Tuesday reminded eligible Virgin Islands residents that The President's Commission on White House Fellowships is now accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Class of Fellows. The applications are available at www.whitehouse.gov/fellows/about/apply.html and must be submitted electronically by Feb 1.
"Founded in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson, the White House Fellows Program is one of America's most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. This is a very prestigious program and it would be a real honor to have a Virgin Islander among the program's distinguished alumni," deJongh said.
White House fellows spend a year working as full-time, paid special assistants to senior White House staff, members of the Cabinet 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, and they take trips to study U.S. policy in action both domestically and internationally.
The program has fostered a legacy of leadership, with nearly 600 alumni who are respected leaders. Alumni include Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Travelocity CEO Michelle Peluso and Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert.
Selection as a White House Fellow is highly competitive and based on a
record of remarkable professional achievement early in one's career, evidence of leadership potential, a proven commitment to public service, and the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute successfully at the highest levels of the federal government. Fellowships are awarded on a strictly non-partisan basis.