CHCI Graduate STEM Fellowship
2012-2013 Fellowship Application Deadline: February 17, 2012
Omar De Leon
API STEM Graduate Fellow
Hometown: Miami, Florida
School: Carnegie Mellon University
Degree: M.S., Civil and Enironmental Engineering
Placement: U.S. Senate Finance Committee
Chelsea Martinez
Motorola STEM Graduate Fellow
Hometown: Austin, Texas
School: University of Texas at Austin
Degree: Ph.D. Chemistry
Placement: The White House, Office of Science and Technology Policy
Melissa Ocana
Shell STEM Graduate Fellow
Hometown: Eugene, Oregon
School: Oregon State University
Degree: M.S., Wildlife Science
Placement: U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee
Graduate Fellowship Program Mission
The CHCI Graduate Fellowship Program seeks to enhance participants' leadership abilities, strengthen professional skills and ultimately produce more competent and competitive Latino professionals.
Graduate Fellowship Program Description
The nine month Fellowship Program offers exceptional Latinos who have earned at least a master's degree within three years of the program start date, unparalleled exposure and hands-on experience in the following public policy areas:
- Higher Education
- Secondary Education
- Health
- Housing
- Law
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
Selected participants will receive
- Work Experience in Washington, DC
- Great Pay
- Fellows will receive a payment of $2,700 minus required deductions including federal and state taxes, social security, and medicare upon arrival.
- The remaining pay of $21,600 (gross pay) will be paid out on a bi-weekly basis throughout the duration of the program. The bi-weekly pay will be $1080.00 minus required deductions including federal and state taxes, social security, and medicare. - Benefits
-Domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, DC
-Health insurance
-Optional short-term housing. CHCI secures and individuals reimburse CHCI for this service - Leadership Training, Networking and More
Work Experience
After a week-long orientation, and with CHCI's guidance, Graduate fellows research opportunities to work in a Congressional office or committee that best matches their interest and focus area. Participants will have the option of changing placements mid-way through the program. Second half placements can include The White House, federal agencies and national nonprofit organizations.
Leadership Development
The Graduate fellows' intensive work experience is enhanced by weekly leadership training sessions that allow them to meet with national leaders and engage in substantive policy discussions. In addition, Graduate fellows produce a public policy brief. Graduate fellows also must organize a policy roundtable. Because of the wealth of information, contacts, and political activity in Washington DC, the Graduate Fellowship Program offers an excellent opportunity for participants to affirm their career goals in chosen issue area. All participants also receive personal support and guidance from CHCI staff and Alumni Association.
Community Service
Fellows are required to engage in a group community service project identified through the CHCI fellowship program. This component of the curriculum allows fellows to identify areas of civic engagement and give back to the community. Fellows are also required to complete individual community service hours along with the group community service project.
Program Requirements - Fellows must
- Work a minimum of 32 hours per week at a placement
- Attend a one-week orientation and weekly leadership development sessions and participate in a retreat
- Participate in all CHCI-sponsored activities
- Participate in a community service project
- Complete 20 hours of community service
- Develop and execute a Policy Summit to promote public policy issues of importance to Latinos
- Research and publication of a written work about a public policy issue in chosen area
- Contribute to the development of the CHCI Public Policy Conference Summits
- Comply with CHCI policies regarding work performance and personal conduct
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must have completed a master's degree or post-graduate degree prior to the program start date
- High academic achievement (3.0 GPA or higher)
- Evidence of leadership skills and potential for leadership growth
- Demonstrates commitment to public service-oriented activities
- Superior analytical skills, outstanding oral and written communication skills
- U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency
- Eligibility to work in the United States
Click Here to Apply
2012-2013 Fellowship Application Deadline: February 17, 2012
Program Dates: August 2012 - May 2013
