The Governor’s Fellows Program empowers JMU students to pursue meaningful careers in public service through one of Virginia’s most competitive and impactful leadership experiences. Participants have the opportunity to work directly with state leaders, explore public policy in action, and develop the skills and connections needed for future civic leadership. Selected JMU students receive a fellowship stipend provided by the Madison Center, and the Madison Center can help connect fellows with housing resources in Richmond to support their participation in the program.
Overview
The Governor’s Fellows Program is one of Virginia’s premier public service and leadership opportunities, providing undergraduate and graduate students with firsthand experience in state government. Fellows spend the summer working alongside members of the Governor’s Cabinet and senior administration officials, gaining valuable insight into public policy, public administration, and leadership in the Commonwealth. Past JMU Governors Fellows have included students who went on to work for the White House, in state government, and in law.
The application process for the 2027 Governor’s Fellows Program will open in March. Throughout the application cycle, the Madison Center will host informational events featuring past Governor’s Fellows who can share their experiences, answer questions about the program, and offer guidance on preparing a competitive application. The Madison Center also provides application review and individualized support to students interested in applying.
Thanks to the generous support of JMU Governor’s Fellows alumni, the Madison Center provides a $3,500 stipend to selected JMU students who participate in the program in addition to the $4,000 stipend provided by the Governors Fellows program. In addition, the Madison Center can assist fellows in identifying housing options in Richmond, including on-campus housing opportunities at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) if needed.
Students from all majors are encouraged to apply. The program is particularly well suited for students interested in public service, policy, leadership, law, communications, business, education, health, and other fields that intersect with state government and civic life.
To apply, visit the Governor’s Fellows Program website and send the required recommendation letters to the address below:
Governor’s Fellows Program
Post Office Box 2454
Richmond, Virginia 23219
For more information, contact the Madison Center, or email: govfellows@governor.virginia.gov
Xavier Williams
Governor's Fellow '22
What made you apply for the Governor's Fellows Program?
"I have always been interested in local and state government. As a music education major, my passion is improving our education system so that all students can succeed and be equipped with tools necessary to reach their full potential. I wanted to be a part of the Governor’s Fellows Program to learn more about how the state government impacts education and see an inside look of the overall operations that keep our state running effectively."
What was your biggest takeaway from the program?
"The direct impact of this fellowship experience is that I truly felt like I was a valued member of the team. The Education secretariat consistently checked to make sure I understood the information I was working on and provided me opportunities to give feedback as a student who lives and breathes college life daily. One of my fondest memories in the office was the first official day in the fellowship. I arrived to work 10 minutes early so I could be prepared for whatever opportunities would be presented. To my surprise, the Secretary was walking in shortly after me and asked if I would join her for a meeting with Veterans and Defense Affairs Meeting focused on education. Ten minutes later, the Deputy Secretary asked me to come with her to the General Assembly to prepare for the special session. I initially thought I would prepare briefing documents, make phone calls, and schedule meetings, but this fellowship was more than that."
Jesse Settle
Governor's Fellow '22
What did you do during your time with the Governor's Fellows Program?
"As a 2022 Governor's Fellow, I worked within the Youngkin administration in the newly established Office of Transformation, and most of my work consisted of policy change and transformational efforts to improve the inefficiencies of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. I also went on 'field trips' across the Commonwealth to various locations such as the Moton Museum & Fort Monroe to learn about civil rights movements in Virginia, the Port of Virginia to learn about supply chain logistics, and the Science Museum of Virginia to learn about grant funding from the state. All of the fellows were able to participate in 'brown bag' lunches to meet with all of the Secretaries, Chief of Staff, and the Governor and First Lady of Virginia, which was an opportunity to ask candid questions and build connections with leadership. I also witnessed the signing of the Virginia biennial budget, the passage of two bills outside the Virginia Executive Mansion, and referendums on certain policies regarding marijuana policies."
Has your experience with the program changed any of your future ambitions, and if so, how?
"Because of the 2022 Governor's Fellows Program, I was able to build connections within the Youngkin administration and have now accepted an offer to work as a policy analyst to work in the Office of Regulatory Management. I graduated from my undergraduate program with a Bachelor of Science degree in Media Arts with a minor in Criminal Justice, and in December, I graduated with a Master of Public Administration degree. The reason I mention this is because I believe life presents itself with opportunities that may be completely opposite of what you ever could have imagined, and often, those opportunities can change your life dramatically for the better. The Fellows program helped me develop confidence in myself, my ability to utilize my knowledge of public service theory, and how to build meaningful connections in a public sector setting."
