Bohnett Leadership Fellows FAQ
Go back to the main Bohnett Fellowship page to learn about and apply for the David Bohnett LGBT Leadership Fellowship.
What costs does the Fellowship cover?
In collaboration with the David Bohnett Foundation, the Victory Institute provides a limited number of partial scholarships for Bohnett Fellows. Fellowships typically cover half of the total costs of tuition, housing, and many of the meals (total costs are $11,450 in 2012) – travel is typically not covered. Each year we weigh the number of qualified candidates accepted into the Harvard Kennedy School and make final awards decisions based on a variety of factors, including the applicant's demonstrated need and the Victory Institute's internal resources. Final fellowship awards in this competitive process are at the discretion of the selection committee composed of Bohnett Fellowship alumni, longtime supporters and staff. We encourage all applicants to consider other ways of raising or contributing to the costs of attending the program.
In addition to receiving tuition are there other expectations of fellows?
Bohnett Fellows naturally find ways to bond and support each other throughout the course of the program. All Fellows meet on the Sunday evening prior to classes for an orientation meal exclusively for Bohnett Fellows. On the first Monday morning of their program session, participate in a lecture with a noted speaker, and share lunch with supporters of the program and Harvard staff. A celebratory dinner is held the final Wednesday of the program. We hope that Fellows will remain a part of the Victory family and help promote the work of the Victory Institute and the Fellowship. Fellows are celebrated annually at a reception at the LGBT Leaders Conference.
What factors do you look for in deciding who will receive a fellowship?
All Fellowship applicants must have demonstrated leadership and potential for further growth and development in their career – the strongest candidates are typically mid-career. Each class of Fellows reflects a broad and diverse spectrum of functional responsibilities and levels of government. With almost ten years of Bohnett Fellows, the Victory Institute has come to value those who express a desire to be more involved in the overall work of Victory, and also creating a class that represents the diversity of the LGBT community.
What if most of my work history has been outside of the LGBT community or my new role as an openly LGBT elected or appointed official?
the Victory Institute respects every level and commitment to career development and will take that into account in looking at the composition of fellowship awards.
How many years of career experience should I have before applying to the Senior Executives Program?
the Victory Institute does not have a minimum number of years of service for eligibility to receive a fellowship. However if an applicant is not an elected official and has less than 10 years of professional experience, applications to the David Bohnett Fellowship will not be encouraged. We have found that the most successful candidates for the program have worked professionally for more than 15 years. Each applicant is examined on an individual basis.
Who makes the decision about acceptance to the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program?
Harvard Kennedy School reviews all applications for the program. In order to be considered for a Bohnett Fellowship, an applicant first must be considered eligible for admission by HKS.
Is it possible to get accepted to Harvard but not receive a Fellowship?
Yes. While we make every attempt to be supportive of LGBT applicants to the Senior Executives program, we are unable to financially support all qualified applicants.
What other resources can I turn to for financial assistance?
Past Bohnett Fellows have received funding from local Rotary Clubs and other foundations. If you are ultimately awarded fellowships from the Victory Institute and another funder, we will work with you to make a complete package.
Attendees have also found some assistance from their employers' continuing education programs and other groups to which they belong, as well as assistance from personal connections willing to invest in their future.
There are two classes in the summer, June and July. Is one better than the other?
The content is identical for both sessions. We make every effort to balance our selection of Fellows between the two classes to have representation in each cohort.
