Are Fellows required to live in Tallahassee? Is housing provided?
Fellows must reside in Tallahassee during the program year. Fellows make their own arrangements for housing. Fellows residing in the immediate Tallahassee area upon the awarding of the Fellowship will receive a $1,000 stipend. Fellows who do not reside in the immediate Tallahassee area upon the awarding of the Fellowship will receive a $2,000 stipend to help offset relocation expenses.


What is the selection timeline?

  • August 2023
    Application process opens for 2024-2025 Gubernatorial Fellows Class
  • March 1, 2024
    Application deadline: All materials must be completed and received by this date. This includes the candidate’s official transcript, three letters of recommendation (submit here) and the online application. Applying early is highly recommended.
  • March 25 – 26, 2024
    Regional interviews for Class XX.
  • April 16 – 17, 2024
    Finalist interviews in Tallahassee
  • May 15, 2024 – tentative
    Fellows are notified of selection
  • July 18 – 19, 2024
    Program Orientation in Tallahassee
  • August 12, 2024 – May 2, 2025
    Program year

What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must be enrolled as full-time (or part-time should you not require a full course load prior to graduation) graduate students or undergraduates (seniors or juniors) at a four-year, accredited public or private university in Florida or Florida residents attending college or graduate school outside of Florida with a minimum GPA of 3.0.  Recently graduated students are also eligible to apply. The Program defines a recently graduated student as a student who graduated from their home institution in either the month of December, May or August leading up to the beginning of the fellowship year to which they are applying.


Is there an age restriction?
No.


Does a candidate’s political affiliation factor into the selection process?
No. The Fellows program is strictly non-partisan, and all Fellowships are awarded on a non-partisan basis.


Are Fellows required to be U.S. Citizens?
No.


What are the requirements for letters of recommendation?
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 1, 2024 via the electronic submission form found here or mailed to:

Ms. Kimberly Bane, Executive Director
c/o Ms. Miranda Lloyd
Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Program
Executive Office of the Governor
400 South Monroe Street
The Capitol, Suite 2002
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001


Will applicants undergo security and background checks?
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.


Are Fellows compensated?
In most cases, Fellows will receive tuition waivers to cover the cost of their tuition as they continue their studies throughout the program year. Additionally, Fellows are considered OPS (Other Personal Services) state employees and are paid at least $15 per hour for their work. Fellows residing in the immediate Tallahassee area upon the awarding of the Fellowship will receive a $1,000 stipend. Fellows who do not reside in the immediate Tallahassee area upon the awarding of the Fellowship will receive a $2,000 stipend to help offset relocation expenses.


Can Fellows receive outside income from other sources during the program year?
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.


How are previously-scheduled commitments, such as planned vacations, handled during the program year?
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.

 


For all other questions related to the Fellows Program and/or application process, email Program staff at [email protected] to set up an appointment to speak with the Director.