A Partnership with Louisiana’s Office of the Governor, the Lamar Foundation,
Louisiana State University, Southern University and the Baton Rouge Area Foundation

The Governor’s Fellows Program in Louisiana Government is an opportunity for college and university student leaders to experience public policy in action, learn the rich history and current affairs of Louisiana government, and earn three hours of academic credit through LSU’s Department of Public Administration.

Each Fellow is assigned to a cabinet-level agency in Baton Rouge. Fellows will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience by collaborating with agency leaders on existing projects, observing firsthand the Governor’s leadership strategies and learning how state policies are developed. 

Fellows will also participate in a weekly speaker series, regular academic courses scheduled by LSU, and trips through Louisiana designed to enhance their overall experience and understanding of state government and current affairs.   

Requirements for Participation:

  • The fellowships are open to students attending a Louisiana institution and Louisiana residents enrolled in out-of-state accredited institutions.
  • Good academic standing with an overall G.P.A. of 3.0 or equivalent
  • Demonstrated leadership and commitment to public service, volunteerism and political involvement
  • Ethical standards, including professional discretion and adherence to confidentialities
  • Strong commitment to personal growth, good government and nonpartisanship
  • Fellows are expected to participate in all Fellow’s activities throughout the duration of the program. This includes LSU classes & course work, activities with Fellows Cohort, between 20-40 hours of work within assigned executive agencies per week, and other opportunities that may arise.
  • Failure to adhere to the above requirements may result in removal from the Fellowship and loss of the stipend.

Classification Requirements:

  • Undergraduate students who have completed their sophomore year
  • Graduate students who have completed at least one year of their degree program (e.g., MPA, JD, MSW, etc.);
  • In addition to graduate and undergraduate students, students who have completed at least one academic year at a two-year college and are at least 21 years of age may apply for the Fellows Program

Benefits to participating Fellows:

  • Student housing on LSU’s campus in Baton Rouge. (participants are encouraged to stay on campus)
  • Three hours of course credit offered through Louisiana State University’s Department of Public Administration
  • Up to a $1,500 stipend for additional expenses

Application and Interview Procedures:

Applicants should be prepared to submit the following through the portal:

  • Complete, unofficial transcript (an official transcript will be required for Finalist Candidates)
  • Resume including education and employment history
  • Letter of professional recommendation from a professor or supervisor
  • Letter of personal recommendation - not from a family member
  • Choose a House or Senate bill from the 2022 Louisiana Regular Session and write an essay of approximately 500 words on whether the Governor should support or oppose the legislation. Note: All bills have been acted on. When preparing your essay, write from the perspective that NO action has been taken. Assume you are preparing information should the bill make it to the Governor's desk. 

Fellows Program Timeline:

  • February 13, 2023: Application Opens
  • March 20, 2023: Application Deadline
  • April 2023: 2023 Fellows Cohort Announced
  • May 26, 2023: LSU Move In & Welcome Weekend
  • May 30, 2023: Fellows Welcome & Orientation
  • June 1, 2023: First Day in Executive Departments
  • Week of July 4, 2023: Program Break
  • Week of August 1, 2023: Policy Presentations & Graduation

Read about the 2023 Governor's Fellows Cohort

Apply here. For questions or further information, please email GovernorsFellows@la.gov.