The document provides information about Florida's Gubernatorial Fellowship Program. The program aims to develop Florida's next generation of leaders by placing university students in state agencies. Fellows gain hands-on experience working on meaningful projects, participate in leadership development activities, and engage in community service. The fellowship is a highly selective program that provides housing stipends, tuition waivers, and opportunities for networking with government leaders. The application process begins in the fall with selections announced the following summer.
4. “I believe public service remains one of
the greatest callings a person can follow.”
Dear Students: GOVERNOR CH A R L I E C R I S T
I encourage you, Florida’s best and brightest university and college students, to consider using your
skills and talents to serve the people of Florida as a Gubernatorial Fellow. The Gubernatorial
Fellowship Program provides leadership training where you can learn firsthand how state
government works. By spending two semesters in Tallahassee, you will gain invaluable
on-the-job experience and insight that will impact whatever career path you choose.
It is indeed a privilege to serve the people of the great State of Florida - my boss. I believe public service
remains one of the greatest callings a person can follow. This challenging and rewarding duty provides
the opportunity to impact the safety, well-being, and livelihood of Florida’s 18 million residents.
I recognize the honor and responsibility it takes to serve with integrity, openness and a listening ear.
I invite you to apply for Florida’s most prestigious program for leadership and public service.
May God bless you as you consider your future education and career goals.
Sincerely,
Charlie Crist, Governor of Florida
6. II. Program Mission and Goals
Developing
Florida’s next
generation of
leaders
Encourage best
and brightest
to enter public
service
7. II. Program Mission and Goals
Provide a
high-level,
insider’s
perspective to
state government
8. II. Program Mission and Goals
Unique
opportunity
to sit at the
table with
current leaders
9. II. Program Mission and Goals
Designed
as a cohort
experience so
that Fellows
can learn from
each other
10. III. Program Elements
4 Main Components
- Agency Placement -
- Leadership Development -
- Service -
- Policy Development -
11. III. Program Elements
INTRODUCTION: LIFE AS A FELLOW
Each Fellow’s experience is unique, thanks to the broad diversity of projects
through which they express their talents.
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. 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.
12. III. Program Elements
1. PLACEMENT
The Fellowship director
and agency heads work
carefully to match the
interests and expertise of
each selected Fellow with
a complementary project.
Herron Gaston with Secretary Walt McNeil
13. III. Program Elements
1. PLACEMENT
State agencies where the Gubernatorial Fellows are
currently implementing projects include:
Education
Juvenile Justice
Management Services
Emergency Management
14. III. Program Elements
1. PLACEMENT
Fellows also currently serve in the Executive Office of the Governor:
Office of Policy and Budget
Energy Office
Office of Drug Control
Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development
Each Fellow is expected work 20 – 40 hrs/week.
They are treated as high-level staff and are expected to perform at that level.
15. III. Program Elements
PLACEMENT EXAMPLES
Chris, Class V Fellow, has quickly become a key
member of the Florida Office of Economic Recovery.
Governor Charlie Crist created the office to administer
the distribution of $15 billion in federal stimulus funds
through the year 2011. Chris has joined the office’s small
staff to help administer the funding, which involves more FELLOW:
CHRIS TANNER
than 75 different programs and most state agencies.
CLASS V
PLACEMENT:
In his role, Chris is involved in project management for
FLORIDA OFFICE OF
ongoing and new programs at federal, state and local levels. ECONOMIC RECOVERY
He’s getting a hands-on education in the full life cycle of SCHOOL:
state funding, from budget preparation to appropriations FLORIDA STATE COLLEGE OF LAW
to expenditures, all the way through reporting. And he’s AGE:
helping manage both the administration and oversight of 30 YEARS OLD
HOMETOWN:
programs that address the full gamut of government services.
TAMPA, FL
16. III. Program Elements
PLACEMENT EXAMPLES
Climate change is an issue Governor Crist immediately
considered a priority for his administration.
Jessica’s project focused on one of the state’s most
critical concerns: the relationship between climate
change and water, a driving force behind the state’s
economy, environment, and quality of life. FELLOW:
JESSICA BOLSON, CLASS IV
Jessica worked with DEP and the state’s five water PLACEMENT:
management districts to research how climate change DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
may affect Florida’s water resources. Her report SCHOOL:
identified steps for necessary actions to address present UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI
and future environmental policy, including how PHD CANDIDATE,
best to manage our valuable resources and counter ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
some of the adverse effects of climate change. AND CLIMATE CHANGE
AGE:
31 YEARS OLD
17. III. Program Elements
2. 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.
18. III. Program Elements
2. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
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, NASA, Kennedy
Space Center, 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.
19. III. Program Elements
3. SERVICE
When Fellows make a commitment to
public service, it’s not some idle promise
for the future. It’s a steadfast vow to
actively assist Floridians here and now.
While Florida Fellows already are active in
their home communities, they also spend
time during their program year doing
hands-on service in the Tallahassee area.
These service projects allow Fellows to share their interests and strengths
while encouraging young people to become involved citizens.
20. III. Program Elements
SERVICE PROJECT EXAMPLES: PROJECT:
ADOPTION EXPLORE ADOPTION
Governor Charlie Crist has made adoption and children’s
well-being a priority in his administration, creating the
Office of Adoption and Child Protection and the Explore
Adoption Initiative (adoptflorida.org). In service of the
initiative, the Class V Fellows volunteered their time and
energy to raise funds and help with two important events.
On Nov. 13, several Fellows helped at the Heart
Gallery North Florida Exhibit and Reception. And
on Nov. 23, Fellows contributed to a mass adoption
ceremony at the Leon County Courthouse.
The Heart Gallery is a traveling exhibit featuring portraits of
children who are in the Big Bend’s foster care system and are
available for adoption. Jarrid and four other Fellows greeted
attendees, sold raffle tickets and answered questions, freeing
up Heart Gallery personnel to focus on critical matters.
21. III. Program Elements
SERVICE PROJECT EXAMPLES: PROJECT:
GIVE TO LIVE GIVE TO LIVE
The Gubernatorial Fellows Class V has partnered
with several local agencies in Tallahassee to give back
throughout their fellowship year, based on needs within
the community and Big Bend area. In January, the Fellows
collected over 85 winter coats through the Warm Coats,
Warm Hearts coat drive. The drive provided coats for
the needy served by organizations including the Haven
of Rest Rescue Mission, the Refuge House domestic
violence center, and the Tallahassee-Leon Shelter. The
Fellows also collaborated to create care packages for
members of the Florida National Guard. These packages
will be delivered to the men and women serving our
country overseas. The Fellows will continue to implement
service projects each month under this initiative.
22. III. Program Elements
SERVICE PROJECT EXAMPLES: PROJECT:
KIDS VOTING KIDS VOTING
Members of Class IV adopted two local precincts
on Election Day (Nov. 4, 2008), working with Kids
Voting Leon County, the local affiliate of Kids Voting
USA. It’s a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that
engages students and families in the voting process.
This unique program combines dynamic classroom civics
lessons with an authentic voting experience. Fellows set
up Kids Voting booths and assisted students as needed.
Jennifer Blalock served as the Precinct Captain.
23. III. Program Elements
4. POLICY DEVELOPMENT JEB BUSH AWARD
Fellows are expected to take the lead in WINNERS
determining solutions to issues facing 2007
TYLER CATHY
Floridians today and in the future. JENNIFER HARTZLER
Fellows direct an independent case study FINANCIAL LITERACY:
wherein they identify a problem confronting IT JUST MAKES SENSE
the state or its government. They conduct 2008
BRAD BODIFORD
comprehensive research, interview involved JAKE CREMER
parties and individuals and propose a sound FASHIONING GOLD
solution through a policy proposal. INTO GREEN: FLORIDA’S
FUTURE IN BIOFUELS
A special honor is reserved for the most
outstanding proposal each year.
24. III. Program Elements
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
Maintain full-time status
Combination of coursework to stay on track
for graduation; may include online or distance
learning courses, directed independent studies
Opportunity for visiting student
status at FSU or FAMU
26. IV. Eligibility
All academic disciplines are welcome
Full-time students at a Florida university or college
Undergraduate juniors or older
Preference is given to graduate students
a. Outstanding academic achievement – no GPA requirement
b. Strong written and oral communication skills
c. Applied leadership skills
d. University and community activism
e. Working knowledge of government
f. Desire to serve the people of Florida
28. V. Selection
Deadline is March 19, 2010
Sample Application – what
do you need to enhance
your application?
Initial review and
consideration, regional
interviews, finalist panel
30. VI. Financial Benefits
$10/hour OPS
Initial $1,000 stipend if selected
Tuition Waiver (*in most cases)
Opportunity for several scholarships
including Hoffman Public Service
Incentive and Jeb Bush Policy Award
34. VIII. Fellows’ Perspective
A. TESTIMONIES
“The activities we did
as a group really forced
me to step outside of
my comfort zone.
JESSICA BOLSON It was a tremendous
CLASS IV FELLOW
learning experience.”
36. IX. Question and Answer Session
Q.
Are Fellows required to live in
Tallahassee? Is housing provided?
A.
Fellows must reside in Tallahassee during
the program year. Fellows make their own
arrangements for housing. They receive a
$1,000 stipend to assist with relocation.
37. IX. Question and Answer Session
Q.
What is the selection timeline?
38. IX. Question and Answer Session
A.
OCT. 23, 2009
Application process opens for
2010-11 Gubernatorial Fellows Class
39. IX. Question and Answer Session
A.
MAR. 19, 2010
Application deadline: All materials must be
completed and received by this date. This includes
the candidate’s official transcript, three letters of
recommendation and the online application.
Early application is highly recommended.
40. IX. Question and Answer Session
A.
APR. 5-16, 2010
Regional interviews
41. IX. Question and Answer Session
A.
MAY 10-21, 2010
Finalist interviews in Tallahassee
42. IX. Question and Answer Session
A.
JUNE 4, 2010
Fellows are notified of selection
no later than this date
43. IX. Question and Answer Session
A.
JULY 2010
Program Orientation
(specific date TBA)
44. IX. Question and Answer Session
A.
AUG. 16, 2010 - MAY 13, 2011
Program year
45. IX. Question and Answer Session
Q.
What are the eligibility requirements?
A.
Applicants must be enrolled as graduate students
or undergraduates (seniors or juniors) at a four-
year, accredited public or private university in
Florida. Preference is given to graduate students.
46. IX. Question and Answer Session
Q.
Is there an age restriction?
A.
No. Current enrollment as noted above is sufficient.
47. IX. Question and Answer Session
Q.
Does a candidate’s political affiliation
factor into the selection process?
A.
Not at all. The Fellows program is strictly
non-partisan, and all Fellowships are
awarded on a non-partisan basis.
48. IX. Question and Answer Session
Q.
Are Fellows required to be U.S. Citizens?
A.
No.
49. IX. Question and Answer Session
Q.
What are the requirements for
letters of recommendation?
50. IX. Question and Answer Session
A.
Applicants must submit letters of recommendation from three references.
It is best to have letters of recommendations from individuals who know
the candidate personally. For example, a recommendation letter from
a prominent person would not be helpful if that individual could not
speak specifically to the candidate’s background and character. Letters of
recommendation must be submitted no later than March 19, 2010, to:
KELLI C. GEBBIA
Executive Director, Gubernatorial Fellows Program
Executive Office of the Governor
400 South Monroe Street
The Capitol, LL-10
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
51. IX. Question and Answer Session
Q.
Will applicants undergo security and background checks?
A.
At the finalist stage, yes. All finalists are subject
to the same security investigations as current
senior managers in state government. Anyone
selected as a finalist must submit a Social
Security Number and driver’s license number.
52. IX. Question and Answer Session
Q.
Are Fellows compensated?
A.
In most cases, Fellows will receive free tuition as they
continue their studies throughout the program year.
Additionally, Fellows are considered OPS (Other Personal
Services) state employees and are paid approximately
$10 per hour for their work. Fellows also receive a
$1,000 stipend to help offset relocation expenses.
53. IX. Question and Answer Session
Q.
Can Fellows receive outside income from
other sources during the program year?
A.
Fellows have a full and demanding schedule, and it
is expected that they will be fully dedicated to the
program. If extenuating circumstances create the
need for additional income, Fellows are encouraged
to discuss the issue with the Executive Director.
54. IX. Question and Answer Session
Q.
How are previously-scheduled commitments, such as
planned vacations, handled during the program year?
A.
Fellows are expected to make a full-time
commitment to this program. Under certain
circumstances (and with the approval of the
Executive Director and the Fellow’s supervisor)
special considerations may be made.
55. IX. Question and Answer Session
Q.
Where can I direct additional questions?
A.
E-mail questions to fellows@myflorida.com.
57. 400 South Monroe Street
The Capitol, Ll-10
Tallahassee, Fl 32399
850-410-0501
Online: FloridaFellows.com
Facebook: facebook.com/FloridaFellows
Twitter: FLFellows
