The White House Fellows program
A legacy of leadership. A vision for America.
In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson established the White House Fellows program, providing emerging leaders the opportunity to understand how government serves the country—and how they can contribute.
“Ever since the perilous days when America struggled for its independence and forged a Constitution, our country has needed leaders of courage, conviction, experience, and foresight; and we have found them. The Fellowship program makes sure our Nation will continue to be blessed with fine leaders in every field of endeavor.”
About the program
In 1957, the legendary John Gardner formulated a plan to bring exceptional young leaders into government agencies to learn about government firsthand. He believed that the nation needed “a steady flow of exceptionally gifted and highly motivated young Americans into brief periods of national service” because the country needed not more “skilled professionals” but “great leaders and statesmen”. When the proposal was presented to President Lyndon B. Johnson, the President enthusiastically embraced it and contributed ideas of his own. Lady Bird then bestowed upon the program its enduring name: the White House Fellows. On October 3, 1964, President Johnson signed Executive Order 11183, establishing the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. The order requested that the Commission “recommend annually outstanding persons from among whom the President may select White House Fellows”. Thus, the White House Fellows program was born.
Since 1964, nearly 900 White House Fellows have graduated from the program. They have reentered the private sector and military with an eagerness to serve our beautiful country, while others have continued their journey into public service. Out of their ranks have come generals, admirals, cabinet secretaries, senior White House officials, business leaders, historians, professors, state officials, senators, representatives, and local leaders. Representing every walk of life, White House Fellows have reminded the nation that governance belongs to all Americans—not a separate class.
“Freedom, in its deepest sense, requires participation—full, zestful, knowledgeable participation. Toward that end, I have today established a new program entitled the White House Fellows.”
Goal of the program
The motto of the White House Fellows’ seal is cum viso magnanimitatis, meaning “With Visions of Greatness”. This motto applies to every stage of the application, Fellowship year, and beyond. The Commission chooses individuals with “outstanding motivation” and “exceptional promise of future development”. As Fellows, these selected individuals gain firsthand insight into the experiences, wisdom, and leadership of distinguished figures across government, the private sector, and the military. Inspired by these leaders, Fellows take their own visions of leadership and service into their future careers.
The Fellowship program bridges the divide between the governed and the government. As President Johnson once told the Fellows, the Fellows “will come to know a basic truth. That truth is how much government can do and how much government cannot do”. This straightforward view of reality will teach each Fellow “how very much you can do for your own future, and particularly for the future of your country; how very much we need you, your commitment, and your involvement”.
“Their horizons and experience must be broadened to give them a sense of personal involvement in the leadership of society, a vision of greatness for the society, and a sense of responsibility for bringing that greatness to reality.”
The selection process
White House Fellows undergo a rigorous selection process. Executive Order 11183 mandates the Commission to seek applicants:
Who demonstrate
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Unusual ability
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High moral character
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Outstanding motivation
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Broad capacity for leadership
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Exceptional promise of future development
Who are dedicated to the
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Institutions of the United States
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Values of American civilization
Selection timeline
From application to placement.
January–February
Application review
Reading Groups are the first component of a three-stage selection process for the White House Fellowship. After applications are accepted by program staff, the applications are evaluated by former Fellows against a common scorecard. The top 100 applicants are selected to be Regional Finalists.
March–April
Regional interviews
Regional Finalists participate in a series of structured, in-person interviews by a panel of distinguished leaders representing a broad range of professions and backgrounds. The interviews are typically conducted each year in different cities across the country. Based on the results of these interviews, the program office selects approximately thirty candidates to proceed to the final round of interviews as National Finalists.
Every effort is made to assign regional finalists to the panel located closest to them; but, since the Commission seeks to maintain an equal distribution of regional finalists among the panels, this is not always possible. Travel expenses incident to regional interviews are paid by the regional finalists.
June
Selection Weekend
National Finalists are interviewed over a three-day period at a location near Washington, D.C. by members of the President’s Commission on White House Fellowships. After spending Selection Weekend interviewing, interacting with, and observing the National Finalists, the Commissioners recommend 11–19 individuals to the President for appointment as White House Fellows.
National Finalists are reimbursed by the Commission for meals, lodging at the interview meeting site, and transportation expenses within the United States but not for international travel. Other expenses are the personal responsibility of the National Finalists.
July
Placement Week
At Placement Week, the new White House Fellows are interviewed by Principals in the White House, the Cabinet, and other government agencies. Based on these interviews, the Executive Director of the Commission determines the placement assignments of the Fellows.
Fellows may be reimbursed by the government for transportation expenses within the United States but not for international travel.