Each year, the Foundation identifies promising students in America to become Nethercutt Fellows. The program combines academic work in their college or university community; targeted on-site exposure to government, business and leadership in Washington, DC; and the opportunity to intern with a governmental, quasi-governmental or political entity to experience the political process first-hand.
This unique opportunity offers Nethercutt Fellows national exposure, leadership training, high level mentoring and professional development not otherwise available to college students. All experiences from the program are designed to foster in young people an appreciation for the American system of government, the importance of a free society, and the obligations expected of citizens to perpetuate American ideals and principles of liberty.
Academic Learning
The academic program involves lectures from outstanding professors who are experts in the fields of economics, political science, Constitutional history and leadership development. Courses will also be a forum for students to meet and interact with leaders in business, foreign affairs, government and politics in order to appreciate the benefits of living in a free country.
Course subjects will include:
- The fundamental principles of the American economic system
- The basics of political theory, political history and current political developments
- Constitutional law and principles
Washington, DC Experience
One of the highlights for the Nethercutt Fellows will be an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC. On this trip, students will visit the White House, the United States Capitol and tour the US Senate and US House of Representatives, meet with Members of Congress, tour selected federal agencies and meet with ranking government officials.
Fellows will also meet with major corporate leaders, trade association personnel and business representatives to get an inside look and receive information about the operations of the private sector’s interaction with government. Fellows will also have the opportunity to meet with representatives of foreign governments and embassy personnel, including international institutional representatives like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
In addition, time will be set aside during the visit to see the institutions and monuments which reflect the sacrifice and leadership that have made our country great since its founding: the US Supreme Court, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials, the Washington Monument, the Holocaust Museum, the Smithsonian Institution, the Pentagon and many other historic sights.
Internship
As a final component of the Fellowship Program, the students will have an opportunity to intern with a governmental, quasi-governmental or political entity. Examples include: local, state or federal political leaders (i.e. mayor’s office, congressional office, etc.); policy council of the local chamber of commerce; political campaigns; court house/judicial internships; political action committees, etc. This experience will give students a first-hand look at how government works and how they can participate to better their community.
