This is your chance to represent the Coast Guard in the West Wing. Applications are opening on Nov. 1, 2024 for the 2025-2026 White House Fellows (WHF) Program. Founded by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964, the WHF program was created to allow America’s best and brightest young leaders to experience the highest levels of government from the inside.
Every year, the White House selects 11-19 fellows to serve as full-time special assistants to top officials in the executive branch, including cabinet secretaries and senior members of the Executive Office of the President. The fellowship program also includes weekly seminars, monthly community service engagements, and policy study trips.
The ideal White House fellow candidate has a strong record of professional and educational achievement, as well as a demonstrated history of public service and promise to serve in more senior capacities in the future. Competitive candidates will have a bachelor’s degree and preferably at least one graduate degree.
The WHF program counts many prominent leaders among its alumni, including former cabinet secretaries, senior military leaders, diplomats, and members of Congress. Biographies of past White House Fellows are available here.
The Coast Guard has a strong history of representation in the program; 13 Coast Guard members have been selected for this prestigious post. District Commanders and commanding officers are strongly encouraged to identify top mid-grade Coast Guard officers and enlisted members and encourage them to apply. Civilian federal employees are ineligible for the program.
The Coast Guard Senior Education and Fellowships Program (CG-0923) will be hosting an information session for interested members on Monday, Sept. 23 from 13:00-14:30 Eastern Time. Coast Guard WHF alumni will explain the application process and answer questions. If you are interested in attending the session, please contact Lt. Cmdr. Emily Brockway and consult ALCOAST 354/24 for more information.
Navigating the application process
The White House manages the application process; accordingly, Coast Guard applicants should not submit applications via their chain of command. Instead, applicants should notify their program manager or assignment officer of their intent to apply to ensure that the Officer Personnel Management Division (PSC-OPM) will release them if they are selected. Applicants should also notify Lt. Cmdr. Brockway of their plans to apply. If selected, the WHF program coordinator will confirm with the Coast Guard that a member will be released from their assignment.
The application will be released on Nov. 1, 2024, and will be due by early Jan. 2025. To view the application forms and for more information about the program, please see the White House’s website. If you have any other questions, please contact Lt. Cmdr. Emily Brockway.
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