Scholarship: Florida Gubernatorial Fellowship

Governor Rick Scott invites college and university students to apply for the 2013-2014 Gubernatorial Fellows Program. Participation in the program provides Florida college and university students with firsthand, high-level experience and insight into how state government operates. Established in 2004, and endowed by Al and Dawn Hoffman in 2005, the program gives Florida college and university students the unique opportunity to work alongside state government’s top staff for two semesters.

Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott spend the day at the Florida State Fair in Tampa, FL on 2/07/13.

Based on their major or area of concentration, Gubernatorial Fellows are assigned to the Executive Office of the Governor and the Governor’s agencies. Fellows work a minimum of 20 hours per week and are paid for their time on the job. Fellows also participate in a weekly lecture series, where they meet with prominent leaders, including Governor Scott, Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll, Cabinet officers, agency heads and other top government officials.

Gubernatorial Fellows also participate in policy study trips throughout Florida and in Washington, D.C. These additional commitments are designed to broaden the Fellows’ exposure to state government and enhance the experience of all participants.

To be eligible for a Gubernatorial Fellowship, candidates should be enrolled at a Florida college or university as an upperclassman (junior or senior) or a graduate student. Applicants should exhibit strong leadership, written and oral communication skills, community activism and a desire to serve the State of Florida. Approximately 12 students from around the state will be selected based on a competitive application process.

Students can visit www.FloridaFellows.com to learn about the expectations and requirements of the program, as well as read testimonials from alumni. Interested students must apply online, at the above website.

Applications are due by Friday, March 8, 2013. The Fellowship will follow the university calendar starting in August 2013 and ending in May 2014. The Governor’s screening and selection committee will announce the program participants in June 2013.