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 Hawaiis future leaders.
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 will include about 30 of Hawaii’s most promising individuals from all segments of our community who are in their mid- 20s to early 40’s. The fellows 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.
“It has been exciting to see this program develop and to hear from past participants on how they have benefited from the experience,” he said.
Graduates of the program include elected officials in various positions.
“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,” said Hannemann. “Those chosen will gain a broader view of those issues through direct contact with senior community, social and government leaders.”
In 2014, a chapter of the Pacific Century Fellows program was established in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and included participants from both the Commonwealth and Guam. They have selected their sixth class and are well into the program year.
“Program Fellows are encouraged to develop long-term relationships and are expected to play active public service roles. 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,” said Hannemann.
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 application submission deadline is June 14. Finalists will be interviewed in early August and the opening retreat that kicks off the 2019-2020 program is held in September at the Turtle Bay Resort.
