Who Qualifies to be a Franklin Fellow?
The Franklin Fellows Program is open to mid/upper-level professionals from both private-sector and non-profit entities (including NGOs, academia, foundations, associations and others). Such professionals must be U.S. citizens and be able to obtain a security clearance. The clearance will be processed prior to the start of the Fellowship. The Department will make the final selection and placement of Fellows but will take into account suggestions from the nominating/funding entity.
The Department is seeking professionals with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. There is no fixed percentage of nominees from any particular sector, but the Department will look for a good mix of candidates from both private and non-profit sectors. The Fellows will contribute their knowledge and expertise to the strengthening of policy formulation and programs within the Department of State. Further, Fellows may work with other government entities, such as the Congress, White House, the Departments of Defense, Commerce, Homeland Security and other Executive Branch agencies, depending on their duties. At the same time, Fellows will enhance their own knowledge of government and global issues. Fellows will gain valuable professional experience and enrich their nominating organizations and communities upon their return.