Headed into its 18th year, ASPA's Founders' Fellows program supports the next generation of public service leaders through a series of professional development opportunities. The Fellows attend and present at the Annual Conference on a subject matter paper on an issue related to their scholarship or work, which is also published in PA TIMES Online if they wish.
Open to graduate students as well as new professionals in the first three years of their public service career, this program is geared toward accelerating careers of promising, rising stars in the discipline. This is ASPA's most competitive Fellowship program of the year and provides results that could last throughout your career.
"The Founders' Fellows experience has given me an unrivaled
opportunity to build strong relationships in public administration. Our
diverse backgrounds paved the way for a beneficial dialogue and
outstanding exchange of ideas."
-
Ana-Maria Dimand, Florida International University, 2018 Founders' Fellow and 2019-2020 ASPA Student Representative
2024 Founders' Fellows Program
The Call for Nominations is out and ASPA is accepting applications through October 13, 2023! Review the application materials now and start planning your perfect submission to be considered for one of only 20 spots in the 2024 cohort!
Who: This program is for young public administrators, doctoral students and new researchers who are looking for a career jump start!
What: The Founders' Fellows program is ASPA's most competitive fellowship program of the year and provides those accepted with results that could last throughout your career. Think: Stellar exposure to public administration legends, highly promoted research at the
2024 Annual Conference and in
PA Times Online, specially planned web-based professional development and more!
There are only 20 spots available, so look at our application materials now and start thinking about how to create the best package you can that demonstrates why you (or a student you know) should be in the 2024 cohort.
When: All applications are due by October 13, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.
Click here to access the application form.
More Details: The Founders' Fellows program recognizes the exceptional accomplishments and future potential of the next generation of public servants—in the academic and/or practitioner communities. The 2024 class will demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and professional promise.
Fellows receive the following benefits:
- Guaranteed acceptance to present their research as part of ASPA's 2024 Annual Conference, April 12-16 in Minneapolis, including complimentary registration and hotel room
- A year-long mentorship with a senior mentor in the discipline, matched with each Fellow based on academic and professional interests
- Tailored professional improvement webinars that address their specific educational and professional needs
Even MORE Details: Candidates must be ASPA members in good standing and submit a letter of recommendation from an ASPA member in good standing to qualify for the program. (Should you be accepted into the program, you are required to maintain your ASPA membership for the entirety of your Founders' Fellow year.)
A completed application will include:
- Contact information and relevant biographical details
- An outline of career and research interests
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- A personal statement
- An analytical essay (details are provided within the application form)
- A letter of recommendation from your nominator
Have questions?
Visit our website for more details,
click here to access the application or contact ASPA's
Jordan Thomas.
Remember: All applications are due by October 13 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Travel to the 2024 Annual Conference in Minneapolis and all related expenses to be paid by individual Fellows or their sponsoring organization. Fellows are required to attend the entirety of the conference.
Critical Links:
"I think the program is an excellent way to link practitioners and academics, which I feel is one of the most important aspects of ASPA."
- Peter Federman, University of Kansas, 2015 Founders' Fellow