Eligibility Criteria

The Mayor's Office encourages graduate students from all disciplines to apply. While there are no preferences to specific graduate fields or majors, the program seeks candidates who are enthusiastic to learn about city government and have demonstrated a substantial commitment to excellence as evidenced by academic honors, leadership ability, extracurricular activities, and involvement in community or public service. You must be a currently enrolled student at the time of employment in order to be eligible.

International students must have an F-1 Student Visa and must be a full-time student. International students are required to have a social security number/card which states "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION." The college or university can assist international students with obtaining authorization.
(DHS = Department of Homeland Security).

Selection Process

Completed applications for participation in the summer session (June 14, 2010 through August 27, 2010) must be postmarked no later than FEBRUARY 19, 2010. Candidates must submit an application, which requires two writing samples and two letters of recommendation, as well as a resume, official transcript and letter of enrollment. To download an application, visit www.cityofchicago.org/mayorfellowship.

Applications will be screened for eligibility and qualifications. Applicants will be selected for interviews and based upon the results of the interview process, a final selection of fellows will be made.

Candidates are selected on a nationwide basis from public and private colleges and universities. Candidates must be current students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.0 on a 5.0 scale. Fellows are not classified as full-time employees. Residency in the City of Chicago is required prior to starting the fellowship program. Relocation is at the applicant's expense. Fellows are paid at a rate of $20 per hour.

For further information, contact Office of the Mayor, 121 N. LaSalle Street, Room 406, Chicago, IL 60602, 312.744.9500.