What is the Franklin Fellows Program?
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From left to right; William P. Pope, Dee Loftis, and Tim Ford. Senior Advisor for Fellows William P. Pope greets new Franklin Fellows Dee Loftis and Tim Ford upon the start of their fellowship. |
President Obama has stated that "government does not have all the answers, and…public officials need to draw on what citizens know." Therefore, he directed the Administration "to find new ways of tapping the knowledge and experience of ordinary Americans – scientists and civic leaders, educators and entrepreneurs – because the way to solve the problems of our time…is by involving the American people in shaping the policies that affect their lives."
The Franklin Fellows Program is a unique and innovative executive development vehicle via which the government taps citizens’ knowledge and which enables approved organizations to promote public service by their professionals. Sponsored and self-nominated Franklin Fellows work on global issues of vital importance to the United States, such as the environment; counterterrorism; human rights; consular matters; political-military affairs; avian influenza , HIV/AIDS and other trans-national diseases; trade, energy and financial policy; and many others. Franklin Fellows may work with other government entities, such as the White House, Congress, Defense, Homeland Security, Energy and other Executive Branch departments. They will return to their home organizations and communities with a much-enhanced knowledge of foreign policy issues and government operations and culture. Particularly if your organization has an international focus or does business abroad, the Franklin Fellows Program is an ideal way to position your organization to excel.
