The Gubernatorial Fellows Program provides leadership training to outstanding Florida graduate and undergraduate students interested in public service. This program will immerse students in key areas of government including the Executive Office of the Governor and the Governor's Agencies so they may obtain first-hand, high-level on the job training as well as valuable experience and insight on government and how it works.

Fellows will need to reside in Tallahassee during the program year. In addition to the high-level work they will do within the Governor's Administration, Fellows will be required to participate in other regularly scheduled activities, including a weekly class. All of these activities will occur in Tallahassee. Fellows will need to make their own housing arrangements, as housing will not be provided.

The Governor's Screening and Selection Committees will review Florida graduate and undergraduate students who are enthusiastic about serving the people of our state. Successful candidates will demonstrate the following:

• Outstanding academic achievement including strong written and oral communication skills
  
  
• Leadership skills
  
  
• Working knowledge of government
  
  
• University and community activism
  
  
• Desire to serve the people of Florida

• November 19, 2007: Application Process Opens for 2008 Gubernatorial Fellows.
  
  
• February 17, 2008: Application Deadline: The application is available on the program website: www.myflorida.com, and must be completed and returned on or before February 17, 2008 to be considered for the 2008 Fellows Class. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that his or her application has been successfully completed and submitted with letters of recommendation.
  
  
• February 18, 2008 - March 7, 2008: Regional Semi-Finalist and Finalist interviews.
  
  
• March 17, 2008: 2008 Class of Gubernatorial Fellows Announced
  
  
• May 12, 2008: 2008 Class of Gubernatorial Fellows Program Begins
  
  
• December 12, 2008: 2008 Class of Gubernatorial Fellows Program Concludes

Gubernatorial Fellows' expertise will be matched with projects to maximize the experience for the Fellow and the contributions they will make to state government. They will be expected to work and will be paid at a rate of $10.00 per hour for a minimum of 20 hours per week. The Gubernatorial Fellows are treated as high-level staff and are expected to participate and perform at that level.

Additionally, Fellows will be expected to participate in a weekly lecture series as well as additional government activities (for example, press conferences, budget briefings, policy briefings). Each week, Fellows will meet as a group to discuss their experiences with classmates and hear from guest lecturers including the Governor, Cabinet Officers, Agency Heads and top government officials. Participation is mandatory. These additional commitments are designed to broaden the Fellows exposure to state government and enhance the experience of all participants.

Applicants should obtain an application by visiting the program website: www.myflorida.com/fellows. Applications will not be accepted after 5:00 pm on February 17, 2008. Applications may be submitted early and, given the competitiveness of this Fellows program, early application is recommended.

Applicants must be enrolled as graduate students or undergraduate (seniors or juniors) at a four-year accredited Florida public or private university. Please note preference will be given to graduate students.

There are no age restrictions, however successful candidates will be currently enrolled in a Florida graduate or undergraduate program.

No. Fellowships are awarded strictly on a non-partisan basis.

No. There is no citizenship requirement.

Applicants are required to submit a minimum of three and no more than five references. It is best to have letters of recommendations from individuals who know you personally. For example, a recommendation letter from a prominent person is not helpful if that individual cannot speak regarding your background and character. Letters of recommendation must be submitted no later than February 17, 2008 to: Gubernatorial Fellows Director
Executive Office of the Governor
The Capitol, Room LL10
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Yes. All finalists are subject to the same security and background investigations as current senior managers in state government. Any applicant selected as a finalist for the program will need to submit his or her social security number and driver's license number.

Fellows are considered OPS (Other Personal Services) State employees and are paid approximately $10 per hour for their work. In addition to this salary, Fellows selected from public universities will receive free tuition for any credits taken during their Fellowship year. Fellows selected from the following private colleges will also receive free tuition for any credits taken during their Fellowship year: Barry University, Bethune-Cookman College, Clearwater Christian College, Eckerd College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida Southern College, Lynn University, Nova Southeastern University, St. Leo University, University of Miami. Please note that if you attend a private college not included on this list, you are still eligible to apply for the program, but will need to speak individually with your dean regarding waiver of tuition.

The Fellows will have a full and demanding schedule, and it is expected that the Fellows will be fully dedicated and committed to the program. If there are extenuating circumstances requiring additional income during this year, please discuss this with the Fellows Director

The program staff is available to work one-on-one with individuals to properly handle any special needs.

Fellows are expected to make a full-time commitment to this program. Under certain circumstances and with the approval of the Director of the program and the immediate supervisor of the Fellow, special considerations may be made.