Applications available for Pacific Century Fellows Program

The Fund for the Pacific Century, a charitable, nonprofit organization, is accepting applications for its 17th class of Pacific Century Fellows.

The program, modeled after the White House Fellows program, is designed to recognize and encourage Hawaii’s future leaders. The nine-month program includes about 30 of Hawaii’s most promising individuals from all segments of the community who are in their mid-20s to early 40s. The fellows will be selected based on their demonstrated ability to set and achieve goals and on having exhibited leadership qualities in their current professional, volunteer and civic activities.

“It has been exciting to see this program develop and to hear from past participants on how they have benefited from the experience,” said Mufi Hannemann, chairman of the Fund for the Pacific Century board, who was a White House Fellow in 1982-84. “Graduates of the program include elected officials in various positions, including U.S. senator and congressman, governor and mayor, executives and top business leaders, major labor and nonprofit representatives, university professors, media and public relations officials, physicians and health care professionals, and military officers.

“We will be selecting our 17th class of fellows and providing these up-and-coming leaders with a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of the issues confronting our community and nation.”

Those chosen will gain a broader view of those issues through direct contact with senior community, social and government leaders.

Individual companies may sponsor candidates for the program. The program fee is $4,000, which covers expenses.

Employers are encouraged to pay employee program costs, but tuition assistance is available. The application and program information is available at www.pacificcenturyfellows.com.

The deadline to apply is June 14. Finalists will be interviewed in early August. An opening retreat to kick off the 2019-20 program is slated for September at the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu.