Pacific Century Fellows accepting applications

Today, the nonprofit organization Fund for the Pacific Century will begin accepting applications for its 18th class of Pacific Century Fellows.

The program, modeled after the White House Fellows Program, resumes after a suspension due to the COVID pandemic.

The nine-month program is designed to recognize and encourage Hawai‘i’s future leaders. Approximately 30 of Hawaii’s most promising individuals from all segments of its community who are in their mid-20s to early 40s will be selected by a 16-member committee of prominent citizens based on their demonstrated ability to set and achieve goals and on having exhibited leadership qualities in their current professional, volunteer and civic activities.

Mufi Hannemann, who serves as chairperson of the board of the Fund for the Pacific Century, was himself a White House Fellow in 1983-84 and was assigned to the Office of the Vice President of the United States George H.W. Bush.

“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 healthcare professionals, and military officers,” said Hannemann.

“Program Fellows are encouraged to develop long-term relationships and are expected to play active public service roles,” Hannemann continued.

Individual companies may sponsor candidates for the program. The program fee is $6,000, which covers expenses. Employers are encouraged to pay employee program costs, but tuition assistance is available.

The application and program information is available at Pacificcenturyfellows.com.

The application submission deadline is Saturday, June 10, 2023. Finalists will be interviewed in mid-August and the opening retreat that kicks off the 2023-2024 program will be held in October.