Employees of the federal government are not eligible unless they are career military personnel.
Applicants should be out of school and working in their chosen profession.
Applicants are expected to have a record of remarkable achievement early in their careers; the skills required to serve at the highest levels of government; the potential to be leaders in their professions; and a proven commitment to public service.
There are no formal age restrictions; however, the fellowship program was created to give selected Americans the experience of government service early in their careers.
Fellowships are awarded on a strict non-partisan basis.
The commission encourages balance and diversity in all aspects of the program.