Applications Now Available for Pacific Century Fellows Program

The Fund for the Pacific Century, a non-profit organization that is designed to recognize and empower Hawaiʻiʻs future leaders, is now accepting applications for its 17th class of fellows for its 2019-2020 program.

The program, modeled after the White House Fellows Program, will run for nine months and include approximately 30 of Hawaiʻiʻs most promising leaders from all parts of the community. The fellows, who are typically in their mid-20s to early 40s, will be selected by a committee of 16 prominent figures based on their demonstrated ability to set and achieve goals, as well as their leadership qualities exhibited in their current professional, volunteer, and civic activities.  

Mufi Hannemann, who serves as the chairperson of the board of the Fund for the Pacific Century, was a White House Fellow himself in 1983. Hannemann said graduates of the program include all kinds of community leaders, from US senators to physicians and healthcare professionals.

“It has been exciting to see this program develop and to hear from past participants on how they have benefited from the experience,” Hannemann said.  

The chosen fellows will gain a broader view of the issues confronting the community through direct contact with senior community, social, and government leaders. According to Hannemann, the program has been so successful that in 2014, a new chapter was established in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which included participants from both the Commonwealth and Guam. The chapter has recently selected its sixth class.

“Program Fellows are encouraged to develop long-term relationships and are expected to play active public service roles,” Hannemann said. “In this regard, the classes of both programs are provided with an opportunity to meet each other when the Marianas Chapter fellows come to Hawaii as a part of their program year.”

Individual companies may sponsor candidates for the program. The program fee costs $4,000 and covers expenses. Employers are encouraged to pay employee program costs, but tuition assistance is also available. The application and program information are available online. 

The application submission deadline is June 14. Finalists will be interviewed in early August. The Opening Retreat that kicks off the 2019-2020 program will be held in September at the Turtle Bay Resort.