Application Process

Agency Application

The agency application is key to helping match the right student with the right agency. By outlining expectations and proposing projects for a Fellow, the agency application provides an overview of the internship and the demands of working at the agency.

Agencies are expected to designate a mentor, provide a computer and work space, and, most important, outline significant advocacy-based projects for the Fellows. While Fellows should certainly contribute to all aspects of an agency's work, the internship should center on advocacy. Typical projects for Fellows include conducting research, facilitating programs, assisting with grant applications, coordinating new initiatives, contributing to and designing publications, and fostering grassroots activism.

Click here for the agency application. Agency applications are typically made available in September and are requested to be submitted to hessfellows@bsc.edu by Thanksgiving in order to give Hess Center staff adequate time to publicize the internship opportunities to prospective student applicants.

Student Application

Applying for a Hess Fellowship is three-step process. First, students submit a written application that briefly details why they want to serve as a Hess Fellow, what skills they would bring to an agency, and, significantly, which agencies most appeal to them. Community leaders, former Fellows, and Hess Center staff then interview students. If a student is nominated for a Hess Fellowship, the partnering agency must confirm the placement, a step that might include an additional phone interview with agency staff.

All sophomores and juniors are welcome to apply for a Hess Fellowship. Students pursuing a Distinction in Leadership Studies are especially encouraged to apply.

Click here for the student application. Please send your resume along with the completed application to hessfellows@bsc.edu by Monday, February 25, 2013.

Student-Initiated Hess Fellowship

Students can contract a Hess Fellowship with an agency that has not yet partnered with the Hess Fellows program. Agencies must devote a significant amount of staff and resources to advocacy efforts. Review criteria for contracting a Fellowship here.