How will fellows be selected?
The Foundation will work through the Community Colleges and University systems to consider students who apply for the program and who are deemed suitable for selection. The conditions for selection will include academic record, commitment to learn the curriculum materials, completion of an application outlining career goals and areas of interest, ability to express oneself orally and in writing, and dedication to the goals of the program. The selection process will be rigorous and will seek dedicated, serious students who will benefit from the program, while simultaneously contributing to its mission.
What is the profile of the typical fellow?
The typical Fellow will be of good character, reputation and ability, and one who demonstrates leadership potential, work ethic, desire for improvement and upward mobility and the potential for success in life. The Foundation’s goal is to give such students an incentive to work hard, look to future leadership and employment opportunities, and be serious about self improvement through education and dedication to the principles and practices to which the Fellowship experience exposes them.
Can students receive academic credit for their participation in the program?
The Foundation does not provide academic credit for the Nethercutt Fellowship program. However, students may choose to work with their college or university to set up an independent study in order to receive academic credit for the program.
What are the academic requirements for the program?
Nethercutt Fellows will be required to complete assigned readings and attend lectures covering the topics of Economics, Political Science, Constitutional Law, American History, Leadership and Civics. They will be required to write daily reports (blog) of their experiences in Washington, DC and a paper outlining their “lessons learned” upon completion of the lecture series and fellowship activities.
How long will the fellows be in Washington, DC?
The Fellows will spend two weeks in Washington, DC. All efforts are made to schedule the visits so as not to interfere with the students’ regular academic schedule, but to focus on normal school break periods. Course work and lecture requirements will be completed before travel. The students will reside in campus housing in Washington, DC. Room, board, transportation costs and a stipend will be included.
Will the fellows be supervised while in Washington, DC?
Yes. Foundation staff will prepare the schedule and site visits, and a college or university professor will accompany and supervise the fellows while they are in Washington, DC.
What is the cost of the program to the fellow?
There is no cost to the student.
What is the fellow’s obligation while participating in the program?
Throughout the program, students will meet regularly with each other, their faculty adviser and the Foundation to be sure that the academic and lecture requirements are being met, and to review plans for the Washington, DC trip. After returning from Washington, DC, fellows will commit to volunteer for a governmental, quasi-governmental or political entity for a minimum of 60 hours. Upon completion of the internship experience, the fellow will prepare a short report to the Foundation outlining what they have learned through the internship and how they feel their overall Fellowship experience will help them be better citizens in their community.
When will I find out if I have been selected for the Nethercutt Fellowship program?
Program Schedule:
Sept. 1, 2009 – Oct. 30, 2009 Application Period
October 30, 2009 Application Deadline
November 2009 Selection committee reviews applications
Selected applications contacted for interviews.
December 2009 Students notified of their selection
