FAQ

​Application and Eligibility

1. ​Who is a qualified applicant for the Government Fellowship Program?
   A qualified applicant for the Government Fellowship Program is in good academic standing and should possess a desire to work in the public sector.​
2. How do I apply?
   Applications and instructions can be found on the How to Apply page.
3. Is there a timeline for the application period?
   Yes, please refer to the application timeline. 
4. What are the eligibility requirements?
   Fellows must possess a minimum 2.7 GPA and be currently enrolled in a 4-year university, community college, graduate program, institute of technology, trade school, or similar facility that offers an academic degree or certification after high school. Fellows must also be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent resident aliens, or non-citizens with proof of eligibility.
5. Are there age restrictions?
   Yes, Fellows must be at least 18 years of age.
6. Do I need to submit an official transcript?
   No, unofficial transcripts are acceptable and preferred as they minimize cost for applicants.
7. Are Fellows required to undergo a security and background investigation?
   Fellows may be required to undergo a security and background investigation. The need for security and background investigations is determined by individual Agencies/Departments and/or assigned project(s).

Selection and Placement

8. How are fellows selected?
   Applications are evaluated and selected competitively based on Fellows’ career interests and academic areas of study to identify the best fit for a placement/project. 
9. What placements are available?
   Available placements vary from year to year and are not guaranteed. However, a selection of potential placements can be found in the Summer Placements page.
10. How are placements determined?
    Placements are determined based on County Agencies'/Departments' submitted proposals which include projects, preferred term length, and preferred summer months. Fellow applications are assessed competitively and matched with a placement of best fit based on Fellows’ career interests and academic areas of study.
11. Will Fellows be placed with the Agencies/Departments in which they have expressed interest?
    Every effort is made to match each selected Fellow within the top three placements listed on their application. If those placements are not available, or if the specified placements aren't a clear match, and the Fellow is open to other placements, the Fellow's major/minor, achievements, interests, and the information presented in their application are taken into consideration to determine placement.

 During the Fellowship

12. How often are Fellows paid?
    Fellows are paid a portion of their total stipend on a bi-weekly basis for the length of their program term.
13. What is expected of a Fellow during the program term?
    Fellows are expected to demonstrate a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic. The Fellows will be guided by their site supervisors and through Cohort opportunities to learn about the County as they complete their assigned projects. Additionally, Fellows must submit bi-weekly invoices and progress reports to the Program Manager.
14. What is expected of a Fellow at the end of the program term?
    Fellows will submit a Final Report to the Program Manager that will summarize the work performed during the program term. Fellows may also be expected to create a final presentation or report for leadership within their placement Agency/Department.

 Administrative

15. What is the County's COVID-19 vaccination requirement for Fellows?
    Fellows are required to adhere to the County's COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements Policy which states that all County personnel and non-employee personnel provide proof of vaccination, unless they have a pending or granted exemption from the County. 
16. Are Fellows required to report on-site?
    Most placements require Fellows to be on-site fulltime. Some placements may allow for a hybrid work schedule for the duration of the program term.
17. Are Fellows provided with compensation and benefits, such as salary and health insurance, during the program term?
    Fellows receive a stipend for the program term. No salary or benefits are provided.
18. Does the Government Fellowship Program help with transportation?
    All Fellows may receive Clipper cards providing free local public transportation on the County's light rail and bus system.
19. Can Fellows receive outside income from other sources, private or public, during the program term?
    Yes, Fellows can receive outside income from any source that does not affect the time commitment that the Fellow has previously agreed to via the approved Stipend Agreement. Outside commitments must be disclosed on the Outside Employment/Incompatible Activity Form after acceptance into the program, and must adhere to the County's Outside Employment Policy.
20. What accommodations are provided for applicants with disabilities?
    The Program Manager will work one-on-one with individuals to adequately address any special needs.
21. How are previously scheduled commitments, such as a vacation, handled during the program term?
    Fellows are required to disclose scheduled commitments on the Student Application​​. If not disclosed prior to Stipend Agreement approval, all requests must be communicated to the Program Manager ([email protected]) and are subject to review and approval.
22. Where can I direct additional questions?
    The Program Manager is available to provide assistance and answer questions. Please email [email protected].