Join the ranks. Apply to the program.

A White House Fellow is selected by the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships to serve for one year in paid federal service working with a senior government principal. An educational program complements the placement through discussions with leaders and study of public policy in practice.

The fellowship has a nonpartisan tradition dating to its founding in 1964 and has operated under both Republican and Democratic administrations.

It is a one-year, full-time commitment in Washington, D.C., including the work assignment and educational program. Consider the practical arrangements for the year before applying.

The selection process is very competitive. The White House Fellows Program office processes the applications and former Fellows screen the applications to identify the most promising candidates. The most qualified applicants are selected to be interviewed by regional panels across the country, which are comprised of distinguished leaders representing a broad range of professions and backgrounds. Based on the results of the interviews, approximately thirty candidates proceed as National Finalists. The President’s Commission on White House Fellowships then interviews the thirty candidates and recommends 11-19 outstanding candidates to the President for a one-year appointment as Fellows. Those who are appointed as White House Fellows must return to Washington, D.C. to participate in Placement Week.

The individuals who are appointed by the President to serve as White House Fellows will be required to come to Washington, D.C. to participate in a series of briefings and interviews to determine their fellowship work placements.

State and local government employees are eligible. Most federal employees are not, with exceptions for career military personnel and some special government employees. The Program Office can clarify whether an exception applies to your circumstances.

There is no age restriction. However, the program was created to give selected Americans experience in government service early on in their careers.

Yes, but you must be eligible to obtain a top-secret clearance.

There is no single profile. The program seeks professional accomplishment, leadership, a record of service, and the ability to work with others. Your application should explain the responsibilities you have held, what you have achieved, and how you have contributed to your community.

No. Applicants must have completed undergraduate education by the application deadline, but a graduate degree is not required.

Six: current employment, professional achievement and community service at 200 words each; lifetime goals and motivation at 300 words each; and a memorandum for the President at 500 words. Follow the prompts and limits shown in the application.

List at least three people who are not related to you and who have direct knowledge of your qualifications. At least one person listed should have professional competence in your field. A prior supervisor is acceptable. Current Commissioners may not write a letter of recommendation.

Once your application is submitted, an email is automatically sent to each of your listed recommenders. You may use the recommendation tracker to change or remind recommenders. Once the recommenders receive the email invite, they sign in through Login.gov using the invited email address, confirm the required attestations, and upload a signed letter on official letterhead (if official letterhead is unavailable, they may use personal letterhead if they clearly state their credentials and relation to the applicant). The Commission office then approves or declines the letter. If recommenders experience difficulties, they may reach out to whitehousefellows@who.eop.gov for additional help.

Three letters of recommendation are required. However, a fourth recommendation may be requested as a backup. The first three letters to arrive are accepted.

Recommenders are asked not to share their letters of recommendation with the applicant so that they can be entirely honest and candid about their assessment of the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses. However, you can sign in after submitting your application to track requests and accepted letters. Letter content remains confidential from applicants. The Commission office receives the first three accepted letters in receipt order as part of the assigned reading packet. A submitted application becomes complete automatically when the first three letters are approved.

Yes. Sign in, save your work, and return before submitting. Review the saved status and check every section before the final submission.

Track your recommendation letters and make sure three reach the program office by the published deadline. Part 2 and the recommendation letters proceed to outside-reader review while Part 1 remains available only to authorized program staff. Regional panels take place in the spring, followed by national selection in the summer. The program office confirms the calendar and contacts applicants about next steps.

Candidates who are not selected will be notified of their status during the selection process.

White House Fellows are full-time employees of the United States government and are subject to the ethics laws and Standards of Ethical Conduct for employees of the Executive Branch. These standards prohibit Fellows from receiving any salary, contributions, or supplementation of salary from any source other than the United States government. Fellows may not hold positions in outside organizations. Participation in outside organizations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine if a Fellow can continue the activity based on the precise nature of the activity and the official duties while serving as an employee of the United States government in the program.

Certain placements, such as in the White House, will require submission of a financial disclosure form. Conflict of interest matters that arise will be handled on a case-by-case basis according to all applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions during the application process about potential conflicts of interest, please contact the program office.

Yes. White House Fellows applicants are required to submit comprehensive background information, as Fellows must be eligible to obtain a top-secret security clearance. If you have questions during the application process about the background investigation, please contact the program office.

The interviews are competitive. We recommend that Regional and National Finalists carefully prepare as they would for any other type of interview. We also recommend that Finalists:

• Have a keen understanding of their applications.
• Study current events. White House Fellows must be able to brief senior government officials on the state of the nation and the world.
• Be current on key issues in your professional field.
• Develop a clear articulation about why you should be selected.

Fellows are considered Federal employees and receive a competitive salary during their one-year fellowship. Military personnel, however, maintain their current salary and benefits.

Fellows are also eligible to purchase health insurance through the Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans available at their agencies. Details about the health plans available can be viewed on the Office of Personnel Management website.

No. Fellows are responsible for their housing arrangements. Applicants should be aware that Fellows cannot accept subsidized housing gifts from former employers or other sources.

The program year is a full-time commitment with work, education, travel, and fellowship responsibilities. Almost all activities are mandatory. Fellows may only be excused from activities under special circumstances and with approval by the Executive Director.

Yes. Those selected as White House Fellows spend a year working with senior government officials in Washington, D.C.