~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Looking Back

12/18/2013 Nativegrl77

By CAP Action War Room

2013

It’s that time of year again. ThinkProgress has started its series of items looking back at 2013.

Here are a few you should check out.

Yesterday, Alyssa Rosenberg brought you the best and worst books of 2013, including much-discussed titles like Lean In as well as others that you may not have heard so much about.

Today, Alyssa rolled her list of 14 great movies from the past year. This list also mixes well-known films like Zero Dark Thirty with others like Wadjda , the first feature film shot in Saudi Arabia, and Twenty Feet From Stardom, a documentary about backup singers.

Finally, Adam Peck rounds up some of the most iconic photos of 2013.

Be sure and check them all out HERE.

Stay tuned for more reflections on the often tumultuous, sometimes triumphant, and rarely boring year we’ve just experienced.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

U of WA to screen applicants for criminal records

12/18/2013 Nativegrl77 2 Comments

University of Washington Officials and Admissions Department: Do not include criminal history record screenings on college applications

Quick Overview

Petition by

Huskies For Fairness

Seattle, WA

www.Change.org

We oppose the idea of adding criminal background questions to the undergraduate admissions process, because:

Research shows criminal background checks do not reduce crime or make university campuses safer; in fact, college campuses are far safer than the general community.

Research demonstrates education is strongly correlated with a decrease in criminal activity and reduced recidivism (46% less likely to re-offend).

Excluding students with a criminal history from participating in postsecondary education not only increases chances of recidivism, but has serious implications for racial equity.

People of color have historically been and continue to be arrested, detained, and charged at significantly higher rates than the rest of the population, due to unjust policies and an inequitable/unfair criminal justice system. This policy would target and further marginalize applicants from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and students of color.

This policy would further increase institutional racism. Institutional racism occurs where an institution adopts a policy, practice, or procedure that, although it appears neutral, has a disproportionately negative impact on members of a racial or ethnic minority group (Randall, 2006).

Introduction

Huskies for Fairness is a group of University of Washington (UW) students, faculty, staff and community members opposing the idea of adding criminal background questions to the undergraduate admissions process. The proposed policy by UW officials would potentially disqualify students with criminal histories of violent crimes or sex offenses from admission into UW, but the policy could also result in exclusion for ANY past criminal offense. While much discourse surrounding universal background checks for students aims to promote safety on campus,we know the impact of such policies does little to decrease violence on campus. Instead, this policy would further increase the number of obstacles preventing students of color, low-income, formerly incarcerated, immigrant, refugee, and nontraditional students from accessing a college education.

Education should be available to everyone so they may bring their creativity, innovation, talents, experience and authentic selves to the classroom and learning environment. Punitive and oppressive policies disproportionately targeting certain groups of students exclude valuable voices necessary for building a socially just and equitable campus. Huskies for Fairness urges you to support a truly SAFE campus by supporting actions that work toward ending racial disparities in our education system, and allow each of us to thrive and participate in our communities.

The facts about campus safety and recidivism

Proponents of this policy assume inquiry into university applicants’ criminal histories will “weed out” prospective students with criminal backgrounds and ultimately reduce criminal activity on campus; this is an unsupported and unjustified association. Research indicates these procedures do little to prevent campus crime (Center for Community Alternatives: Innovative Solutions for Justice, 2010). The only study that has investigated the direct correlation between criminal history screening of university applicants and incidences of campus crime found no statistically significant correlation (Olszewska, 2007).

On the contrary, research indicates university campuses are remarkably safer places compared to the greater community (Center for Community Alternatives: Innovative Solutions for Justice, 2010). The U.S. Department of Education (2001) reports, “students on the campuses of post-secondary institutions [are] significantly safer than the nation as a whole,” and “college students are 200 times less likely to be the victim of a homicide than their non-student counterparts” (p. 5). The few crimes that do occur are mostly perpetuated by off-campus strangers, most notably instances of rape and sexual assault which show no statistical differences between college students and non-students (Hart 2003; Baum & Klaus 2005). The WA state Department of Corrections conducted the Government Management, Accountability and Performance (GMAP) study , which showed 92% of the 3,570 sex offenders studied between July and December of 2005, committed no offenses after leaving prison for the community. Of the 289 who did re-offend, only eight committed sex offenses (GMAP, 2005).

Research also indicates education is strongly correlated with a decrease in criminal activity and reduced recidivism. As the Wesleyan Center For Prison Education (2011) indicates, “a comprehensive analysis of fourteen different studies, completed by the Institute for Higher Education Policy on behalf of the Department of Justice, revealed that prisoners who merely participated in postsecondary education while in prison were 46% less likely to recidivate than members of the general prison population.”

As criminal activity is shown to decrease with access to education, and safety to remain largely unaffected, requiring background checks for university admission undoubtedly raises concerns about racial equity and opportunities for higher education. Implementing this policy will likely hinder those with minor criminal records from applying to UW, regardless of how long ago a criminal incident occurred or its severity (Halperin & Garcia, 2011). In addition, requiring background checks may ultimately deprive students with a criminal records from admittance into UW. This barrier from participation in postsecondary education not only increases chances of recidivism, but has serious implications for racial equity.

Racial inequities in the criminal justice system

By excluding students with a criminal record from our campus community and learning environment, students of color and students from disadvantaged backgrounds are further subjected to the inherent discrimination imposed on them by the criminal justice system. People of color have historically been and continue to be arrested, detained, and charged at significantly higher rates than the rest of the population. In this striking reality, African Americans make up 15% of the youth population and account for 26% of the youth arrested – but of those arrested, African Americans make up 44% of those detained, 46% of those judicially waived to criminal court, and 58% of youth in prison (Halperin & Garcia, 2011).

The likelihood of incurring a criminal charge when encountering law enforcement is largely a function of race, socioeconomic status, and location, resulting in people of color and members of disadvantaged groups being more likely to have a criminal record. This is not because these individuals are more likely to have committed a crime, but because they are more likely to be targets of unjust policies and victims of an inequitable criminal justice system (Alexander, 2010; Garcia & Halperin, 2011).

Why say NO to this policy? Disproportional disciplinary actions in the classroom and in the criminal justice system sustain racial disparities in education.

The increased racial disproportionalities in UW enrollment we can expect to see as a result of this policy, will further compound an existing lack of racial equity in our education system. Both the education and criminal justice system enact discipline while using a racial lens of prejudice — by which a student’s racial background significantly alters the severity of the disciplinary action.“The problem [of racism] is deep and pervasive. Suspension rates for black students are three times higher than rates for white students, from elementary to high school. One-fourth of black middle-schoolers have received short-term suspensions every year since 1996” (Nelson & Nguyen, 2013, p.1). While disciplinary recourse surges ahead for students of color, reading levels and high school graduation rates show they are falling behind.

Sign this petition and PLEASE, keep the conversation going.

Although this proposed policy may appear neutral, it would have a disproportionately negative impact on members of racial/ethnic minority groups and would thus contribute to institutional racism. Institutional racism is difficult to eliminate because it is so insidious and hidden from those who do not constantly struggle against oppressive and inequitable policies and practices. “Those of us who are white often don’t realize the unintended privileges we receive. We often get the ‘benefit of the doubt,’ or the trust and confidence of people who do not yet know us, or other benefits that are invisible to us as white folks” (Racial Equity in Seattle 2012-2014 Report, p. 2). Institutional racism occurs where “an institution adopts a policy, practice, or procedure that, although it appears neutral, has a disproportionately negative impact on members of a racial or ethnic minority group” (Randall, 2006).

A multitude of barriers already exist to obstruct students of color on the pathway to educational success. This additional obstacle to attaining higher education must be stopped. We urge you to not only sign this petition, but continue this critical conversation with your peers, friends, classmates, professors, and administrators in the classroom and beyond the university community.

References

Alexander, M. (2010). The new Jim Crow: Mass incarceration in the age of colorblindness. New York: New Press.

Center for Community Alternatives: Innovative Solutions for Justice. (2010). The use of criminal history records in college admissions:Reconsidered. Retrieved from: http://www.communityalternatives.org/pdf/Reconsidered-criminal-hist-recs-in-college-admissions.pdf

Erisman and Contardo, (March, 2005). Learning to Reduce Recidivism: A 50 state Analysis of Postsecondary Correctional Education Policy. Washington, DC: The Institute for Higher Education Policy. Retrieved from: http://www.wesleyan.edu/cpe/documents/CPEFactSheet2011.pdf

Garcia, G., & Halperin, E., (2011). Criminal Background Checks Upon Acceptance to Medical School: The Wrong Policy at the Wrong Time. Academic Medicine, 86(7) 808 doi:10.1097/ACM.0b013e31821e4176

Gunawan, Imana. (February 7, 2013). UW considers adding criminal background question to undergraduate application. The Daily of the University of Washington/ since 1891.

Nelson, J., & Nguyen, M., (April 4, 2013). Guest: Addressing racial disparity in Seattle school discipline. The Seattle Times. Retrieved from:http://seattletimes.com/html/opinion/2020712915_julienelsonmichaelnguyenopedxml.html

Olszewska, M. J. (2007). Undergraduate admission application as a campus crime mitigation Measure: Disclosure of applicants’ disciplinary background information and its relationship to campus crime. Unpublished Dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Education, East Carolina University.

Race and Social Justice Initiative. (2012). Racial Equity in Seattle 2012-2014 Report. Retrieved from:http://www.seattle.gov/rsji/docs/RacialEquityinSeattleReport2012-14.pdf

Randall, V. R. (2006). THE MISUSE OF THE LSAT: DISCRIMINATION AGAINST BLACKS AND OTHER MINORITIES IN LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS. St. John’s Law Review, 80, 1.)

Black History

the Senate CONGRESS 12/18 the House

12/18/2013 Nativegrl77

The Senate stands in adjourned until 10:00am on Wednesday, December 18, 2013.

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of the motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.J.Res.59, the bipartisan budget act, post-cloture.

All time during adjournment will count post-cloture on the motion to concur with respect to the bipartisan budget act. Roll call vote are possible throughout the day. Senators will be notified when they are scheduled.

The Senate has resumed consideration of H.J.Res.59, the legislative vehicle for the Bipartisan Budget Act. Post-cloture debate time expires at 4:27pm today. Upon the use or yielding back of time, the Senate will dispose of the motion to concur with an amendment (either by consent or vote). Then the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.J.Res.59.

Upon disposition of the Bipartisan Budget Act, the Senate will proceed immediately to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.3404, the legislative vehicle for the National Defense Authorization Act.

Additional procedural votes are possible prior to these votes.

Senator Reed (RI) asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass Calendar #259, S.1797, a bill to extend unemployment insurance benefits for 1 year.

Senator Cornyn asked that the request be modified that that all pending cloture motions on Executive nominations be withdrawn, and that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of S.1797, and that the Majority Leader and Minority Leader be recognized to offer amendments in an alternating fashion.

Senator Reed declined to modify his request and Senator Cornyn objected to the original request.

Senator Sanders asked unanimous consent the Senate take up and pass Calendar #258, S.944, with the committee-reported substitute amendment and an amendment to the title. Senator Coburn objected.

Senator Sanders asked if Senator Coburn would agree to having a roll call vote on the bill. Senator Coburn said he would object to a vote without the opportunity to offer amendments.

S.944, is a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require courses of education provided by public institutions of higher education that are approved for purposes of the All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program and Post-9/11 Educational Assistance to charge veterans tuition and fees at the in-State tuition rate, and for other purposes.

4:28pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on adoption of the Reid motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.J.Res.59, Bipartisan Budget Act;

Agreed to: 64-36

Senator Sessions asked unanimous consent to set aside the pending motion to concur with an amendment in order to make a motion to concur with Sessions amendment #2573 (the amendment would eliminate a wide variety of deficit-neutral reserve funds that could be used to facilitate future consideration of legislation that would address certain high priorities).

This is the same request he made yesterday.

Senator Murray made a brief statement and objected.

4:56pm The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.3304, National Defense Authorization Act;

Invoked: 71-29

At 5:15pm Wednesday, the Senate invoked cloture on National Defense Authorization Act 71-29. There will now be up to 30 hours for debate before a vote on adoption of the motion to concur of the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.3304, NDAA (passage). There will be no further roll call votes tonight.

At 6:12pm The Senate has passed H.R.1402, the VA Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2013 by unanimous consent. The Senate is now in a period of morning business with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the time counting post-cloture on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.R.3304, the National Defense Authorization Act.

WRAP UP

Roll Call Votes

1) Motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.J.Res.59, the bipartisan budget agreement; Agreed to: 64-36

2) Motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House message to accompany H.R.3304, the National Defense Authorization Act; Invoked: 71-29

Legislative items

Passed H.R.1402, the VA Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2013.

Discharged the HELP committee and adopted S.Res.316, supporting the goals and ideals of American Diabetes Month.

Adopted S.Res.324, Expressing the sense of the Senate with respect to the tragic shooting at Los Angeles International Airport on November 1, 2013, of employees of the Transportation Security Administration.

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1845, Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act. (Reed)

Completed the Rule 14 process of S.1846, Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. (Menendez)

No Executive items

———————————————————————————–

Last Floor Action:
11:03:15 A.M. – The Speaker announced
that the House do now adjourn pursuant to H. Res. 438.

The next meeting is
scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on December 19, 2013.

============================================================

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Calling all Student Filmmakers

12/17/2013 Nativegrl77

Movie Night at the White House

Ever dreamed of having your own short film screened in a movie theater? How about right here at the White House? Great news: We’re inviting K-12 students from around the country to create and submit one- to three-minute short web videos.

The topic: Highlighting the importance of technology in the classroom — and imagining how technology will change the educational experience for kids in the future. And finalists could have their videos screened at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, and posted on the White House website.

Find out how you or someone you know can apply.

Weekly Address: Marking the One-Year Anniversary of the Tragic Shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

In his weekly address, President Obama honors the memory of the 26 innocent children and educators who were taken from us a year ago in Newtown, Connecticut.

Last week, the Vice President wrapped up a six-day, diplomatic mission to Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea, while the President spoke on achieving peace in the Middle East at the Saban Forum, honored and lit the National Christmas Tree, and traveled to Johannesburg to honor the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.

Last week, Vice President Biden and Cecilia Muñoz, Director of the Domestic Policy Council, sat down to answer your questions on immigration during a live Skype event.

What Truly Matters: Ensuring All Americans Have Access to Quality Affordable Health Care

12/17/2013 Nativegrl77

Buenas tardes,

Over the last several weeks the President has highlighted the benefits of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). With HealthCare.gov now working smoothly for the vast majority of consumers, our top priority is to ensure that every eligible American who wants access to insurance is able to get it. We are two months into a six month open enrollment period and are laser-focused on continuing to reach as many Americans as possible to let them know about their new health care options and the various ways in which they can enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace.

The need for and interest in affordable health insurance extends across the country. For instance, through November, state and federal websites received 39.1 million visits; we have received applications to provide coverage for approximately 3.7 million individuals; and 2.3 million people were determined eligible to buy a qualified health plan. These numbers remind us that we cannot go back to a system that leaves millions of Americans vulnerable and without care. We must move forward.

President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the White House Youth Summit on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building

President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the White House Youth Summit on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building South Court Auditorium, Dec. 4, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

As you know millions of people are already benefiting from and will continue to benefit from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For instance, upwards of 17 million children can no longer be denied coverage due to a pre-existing condition. Additionally, starting in 2014, insurance companies can no longer charge higher premiums based on health status or history. These provisions provide millions of families with the peace of mind to know their children will receive the quality care they deserve.

Also, as a result of changes made by the ACA, millions of Americans are already saving money. For example, the ACA requires insurance companies to spend at least 80% of premiums on medical care and efforts to improve the quality of care. If they don’t, insurers have to send consumers a refund to meet this threshold. Already almost 80 million consumers have saved $3.4 billion upfront on their premiums in 2012; and, based on 2012 spending, 8.5 million customers received an average refund of approximately $100 per family.

The ACA’s commitment to providing health security to all Americans means expanding Medicaid, mental health benefits, and parity protections. Due to the US Supreme Court decision, States can choose whether or not to expand Medicaid coverage to all adults with incomes below 133% of the federal poverty (around $32,000 for a family of four). Already, 26 States and the District of Columbia have expanded Medicaid to provide better care to more of their residents. One thing is clear, Medicaid expansion is both the right and smart choice for states.

Furthermore, for the first time, insurance companies must cover mental health and substance use disorder services at parity with medical and surgical benefits. As such, out-of-pocket costs for behavioral health services must be comparable to coverage for medical and surgical care. That is one of the largest expansions of mental health and substance use disorder coverage in a generation!

In addition to increasing access to health insurance and benefits, the ACA allocated money to increase access to community health centers. Health centers across the country have received funding to create new health center sites in medically underserved areas, to expand preventive and primary health care services, and to support major construction and renovation projects. This important investment supports community health centers double the number of patients they serve to nearly 40 million by 2015. As approximately 35 percent of patients served by community health centers in 2009 were Latino, this investment will positively impact Latinos and help to reduce ethnic and racial disparities in health care.

As HealthCare.gov continues to improve each day for the vast majority of Americans, it’s important to recognize that Americans interested in quality affordable health insurance can purchase health insurance multiple ways. There are four key ways to apply for health insurance: online at HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov, by telephone at 1-800-318-2596, by mail, and in-person at specified community centers (click here to find local help; En Español). The diversity of application processes allows Americans to select which process works best for them.

4 Ways to Get Marketplace Coverage

As we enter a critical enrollment stage before the holidays, we ask that you to partner with us to amplify the important enrollment deadline of December 23rd to sign up for coverage beginning January 1st, 2014. Even if “health care” isn’t the particular focus of your organization and even if you don’t have grassroots organizers lined up in key markets, there is still something you can do to help people get access to the “gift of health care” this Holiday Season. If you are interested in working with our digital team to send a blast e-mail out to your networks reminding folks to sign-up on HealthCare.gov leading up to the 23rd, please reach out to me at Latino@who.eop.gov.

As always, please share this information with your networks, get engaged in educating the Latino community about the Health Insurance Marketplaces, and use the hashtag: #OurSalud to join the conversation.

Julie Chávez Rodriguez Deputy Director White House | Office of Public Engagement

Agency Updates

How the Marketplace Works Four steps to gaining health coverage. En Español.

Four Ways to get Marketplace Coverage Learn about all the ways to apply for health coverage through the Marketplace. En Español.

#GetCovered: My Story More people are applying and getting coverage from the Health Insurance Marketplace every day. Read personal stories of how the Marketplace has helped people across the country. You can share your story using #GetCovered.

Education Department Releases Updated Financial Aid Shopping Sheet to Provide Students with Additional Transparency in College Costs December 13, 2013 Today, the U.S. Department of Education released an updated version of the administration’s financial aid model award letter, known as the Shopping Sheet, and announced that nearly 2,000 institutions of higher education have voluntarily committed to using this important consumer tool.

The Health Insurance Marketplace: What You Need to Know December 4, 2013 Since it launched in October, we have made dramatic improvements to HealthCare.gov, taking it from a system that didn’t perform nearly as well as it should, to one that can help you learn about your new health insurance options, create an account, learn about financial help you may be able to receive, compare your options and select a plan. If you’ve tried HealthCare.gov and been unsatisfied with your experience, or if you’ve been wondering if you’re eligible for a more affordable option under the health care law, here are some tips for you. Remember, you MUST enroll in a plan by December 23, and pay your premium, to get coverage on January 1, 2014.

United States Agrees to Comprehensive Settlement with Suffolk County Police Department to Resolve Investigation of Discriminatory Policing Against Latinos December 3, 2013 The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York announced today that they have tentatively agreed to a settlement with the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) which calls for SCPD to implement new and enhanced policies and procedures to ensure nondiscrimination in the provision of police services to Latino communities in Suffolk County.

FACT SHEET: Youth CareerConnect Grants November 19, 2013 To compete in today’s global economy, America’s students need deep knowledge and skills that will prepare them for college and the jobs of the future. Yet far too many of America’s students are not meaningfully engaged or motivated in their academic experience while in high school. Many high school graduates lack exposure to learning that links their work in school to college and careers—especially in the critically important fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Moreover, many of America’s international competitors offer students a more rigorous and relevant education in their middle and high school years.

FACT SHEET: U.S.-Panama Relations November 19, 2013 The United States and Panama share nearly 150 years of history and strong cooperation. Our broad economic, security, and political cooperation reflect the wide range of shared interests.

Blog Highlights

Strengthening Health Centers to Strengthen Our Communities A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of visiting a high-energy forum at a community health center in my home town of Detroit, and saw firsthand how vital community health centers are as a source of quality health care. Today, approximately 1,200 health centers operate more than 9,000 service delivery sites that provide care to over 21 million patients across the country. I am frankly in awe of the great work that these community health centers provide, especially to the Latino and other underserved communities. En Español.

President Obama and the First Lady Will Welcome Two Latino Kennedy Center Honorees to the White House President Obama and the First Lady Michelle Obama will welcome the 2013 Kennedy Center Honorees to the White House this Sunday, December 8, where they will applaud and thank them for their musical contributions to the world. Amongst the five honorees, two of the artists being recognized are Latinos: acclaimed musician Carlos Santana and renowned soprano opera singer Martina Arroyo.

Get Involved

White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics Webinar on Family Engagement This month’s webinar will focus on family engagement. The importance of a family’s role in a child’s academic, social, and emotional development is widely accepted and encouraged throughout the education sector. Join us to hear about two program models designed to create strong engagement between families and their children’s schools, and discuss ways to engage Hispanic families in education successfully.

Who: White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics What: A WEBINAR on Family Engagement When: Wednesday, December 18, at 2:00-3:10 pm EST Where: To RSVP, email WHIEEH@ed.gov with the subject line: “Family Engagement Webinar”. Please provide your name and organization.

Immigration Integration Project: Call for Applications Networks for Integrating New Americans is an innovative, national initiative that seeks to position adult education programs as key contributors to local, multi-sector networks formed to advance immigrant integration. The initiative will identify, strengthen, and document place-based models of immigrant integration that other communities can replicate and adapt. All materials can be found at: http://www.worlded.org/WEIInternet/us/project/display.cfm?ctid=na&cid=na&tid=40&id=13981.

Who: US Department of Education Office of Vocational and Adult Education What: The project will select up to five forward-thinking community networks (also coalitions or initiatives) to receive technical assistance to address the linguistic, civic, and economic needs of immigrant adults. When: Preliminary applications are due Dec. 20, 2013 Where: Submit application online

White House Internship Program The White House Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office and prepare them for future public service opportunities. The White House Internship Program’s mission is to make the “People’s House” accessible to future leaders from around the nation.

Who: Young Leaders in the Community What: Opportunity to gain professional experience, build leadership skills, and further exposure to the public service sector. When: Applications due January 5, 2014 Where: Apply online at White House Internship Program Website

Email internship_info@who.eop.gov for more information.

White House Fellows Program Founded in 1964, the White House Fellows program is one of America’s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service. White House Fellowships offer exceptional young men and women first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the federal government. Selected individuals typically spend a year working as a full-time, paid Fellow to senior White House Staff, Cabinet Secretaries and other top-ranking government officials.

Who: Young Leaders in the Community What: The purpose of the White House Fellows program is to provide gifted and highly motivated young Americans with some first-hand experience in the process of governing the Nation and a sense of personal involvement in the leadership of society. When: Applications due January 15, 2014 Where: Apply online at White House Fellows Program Website