CHCI Public Policy Fellowship
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Fellowship Application Deadline: CLOSED. Please check back in September for 2011 application.
Public Policy Fellowship Mission
The CHCI Public Policy Fellowship (PPF) seeks to enhance participants' leadership abilities, strengthen professional skills and ultimately produces more competent and competitive Latino professionals in public policy areas.
Public Policy Fellowship Description
This Fellowship Program offers talented Latinos, who have earned a bachelor's degree within two years of the program start date, the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the national level in the public policy area of their choice. Fellows have the opportunity to work in areas such as international affairs, economic development, health and education policy, housing, or local government.
Selected particpants will receive:
- Work Experience in Washington, DC
- Great Pay
- $2,200 monthly stipend to help cover housing and local expenses - Benefits
- Domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, DC
- Health insurance
- Optional short-term housing. CHCI secures and individuals reimburse CHCI for this service - Leadership Training, Networking and More
Work Experience
After a week-long orientation and with CHCI's guidance, CHCI fellows research opportunities and interview with possible work placements that best match their interests. The range of placements includes: congressional offices, federal agencies, Washington-based media groups, corporate federal affairs offices, national non-profit advocacy organizations, and government-related institutions. Participants have the option of changing placements mid-way through the program.
Leadership Development
The fellows' intensive work experience is enhanced by weekly leadership training sessions that allow them to meet with national leaders and engage in substantive policy discussions. Because of the wealth of information, contacts, and political activity in Washington DC, the Fellowship Program offers an excellent opportunity for participants to identify their career goals. All participants also receive personal support and guidance from the members of CHCI's staff and Alumni Association.
Community Service
Fellows are required to engage in a group community service project identified through the CHCI fellowship program. This component of the curriculum allows fellows to identify areas of civic engagement and give back to the community. Fellows are also required to complete 32 hours of individual community service along with the group community service project.
Program Requirements - Fellows must
- Work a minimum of 32 hours a week at placement site
- Attend a one-week orientation and weekly leadership development sessions and participate in a retreat
- Participate in all CHCI-sponsored activities
- Participate in a community service project
- Complete 32 hours of community service
- Comply with CHCI policies regarding work performance and personal conduct
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have earned a Bachelor's Degree within two years of the program start date and not have received credits towards an advanced degree
- High academic achievement (preference of 3.0 GPA or higher)
- Evidence of leadership skills and potential for leadership growth
- Demonstrated commitment to public service-oriented activities
- Superior analytical skills, outstanding oral and written communication skills
- U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency
Selection Process
The selection process is competitive; CHCI receives 5 applications for every one available fellowship. CHCI processes applications to identify the most qualified candidates. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee composed by Alumni, Board of Directors, and CHCI staff. Only top candidates receive an invitation for an interview. A selected number of fellows are selected annually, based on the quality of their application and their interview scores.
Program Dates: August 16, 2010 to May 13, 2011
