December 15, 2016
New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado today announced that applications for the 2017-2019 Empire State Fellows class are now open. The prestigious program, now in its sixth year, recruits exceptional and diverse professionals and is a unique training ground to prepare and retain professionals for policy-making roles in New York State government. Once selected, they will work closely with senior administration officials and participate in the policy decisions that will help transform our State.
“The Empire State Fellows program continues to provide dividends for the people of New York State,” said Rosado. “Each class brings fresh ideas and great perspectives to the administration and we look forward to continue finding the next generation of policy-makers that will impact our State government and help make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers.”
To apply to be an Empire State Fellow, candidates must email a professional resume or Curricula Vitae, a personal statement explaining your interest in the program and why you should be selected and two letters of recommendation to [email protected], before 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15, 2017. You will find more information on the Empire State Fellows Program and the application process here.
While working full-time in State government, Empire State Fellows will also engage in specially tailored educational and professional development programs created collaboratively by the Cuomo Administration and the Rockefeller Institute at SUNY Albany. These programs include interaction with the top leaders in State government, as well as on-the-ground experience learning from local government officials.
Since its inception in 2012, the two-year program has begun preparing a new generation of policy-makers to help lead New York State well into the future, with various Empire State Fellows going on to serve in appointed positions throughout the administration upon completion of their two-year Fellowship. To date, Former Governor Cuomo has appointed more than 25 Empire State Fellows to senior positions in his administration.
In these roles, graduated Empire State Fellows have helped shape various State programs and initiatives, including: combating poverty through data-driven decision-making and key service alignment; overseeing community-based support programs for immigrants across the State to integrate them into civic and economic life; leading the Governor's craft beverage initiative to foster entrepreneurship in New York State, helping shape the State’s Superstorm Sandy housing and building initiatives, assisting Puerto Rico reshape its Medicaid program; and helping move the State’s behavioral health services from a fee-for-service system into managed care, to name just a few.
“The Fellowship was an excellent opportunity to engage with high-level policy makers on key issues important to New Yorkers,” said Nora Yates, Director, Center for Community Health, New York State Department of Health. “I was proud to work on the Governor’s Anti-Poverty Agenda as a Fellow, and now as an employee at the Department of Health, where we work with providers across the State to improve the lives and health of individuals and families.”
“The Empire State Fellowship experience provided me with the opportunity to gain a detailed perspective of public policy and the functioning of State government,” said Laura Gonzalez-Murphy, Director, New York State Office for New Americans. “The program also prepared me to apply my knowledge on immigration and human rights to help move forward the Governor’s agenda on these very important issues.”
The Empire State Fellows program is part of Former Governor Cuomo’ s New New York Leaders initiative that recruits experienced professionals, college graduates and student interns to serve in State government. For more information, see here.