ICMA / Jobs / Career Development / Local Government Management Fellowship / Become a Local Government Management Fellow / Application Information

Become a Local Government Management Fellow

Students holding or earning a master's degree in public administration/management, public policy, public affairs, or related fields from an academic institution that is a member of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration are eligible to apply for the Fellowship. Candidates are selected on the basis of their academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to public service, communication skills, initiative, creativity, and positive attitude.

The LGMF application includes general applicant data, work and education histories, academic transcripts, recommendations, and two essays. The applications is online, but if you have difficulty accessing the application, contact lgmfprogram@icma.org. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page if you have other questions.

The application

  1. Basic demographic data, work and education histories, resume (upload a copy), required questions, and so on (much of this will be entered/created when you sign-up for a Governmentjobs account)
  2. Supplemental questions (in the online application)
  3. Personal statement and management case study (submitted within the online application); note the case study question is available in the application. Do not 'make up' your own case study.
  4. Official graduate and undergraduate transcripts
  5. Three (3) letters of recommendation: two (2) from professors/program directors, and one professional recommendation; sealed and signed across the envelope seal by the recommendation writer.

NOTE: Send items 4 and 5 (all the letters and transcripts) in ONE (1) packet to ICMA postmarked by the application deadline.

Your packed containing official transcripts and letters of recommendation should be mailed to:

ICMA
777 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 500
ATTN: LGMF PROGRAM
Washington, D.C. 20002-4201

 

The application is Web-based. As such, it is strongly recommended that you prepare your essay and case study in a desktop application and save your work frequently. When you have completed your essay questions, copy/paste them into the application tool as unformatted text. Keep your formatting simple, as it will not carry over to this application or may add strange characters. 

Application Attachments

You may attach one page with graphs, tables or charts to accompany your essays if you wish;  reference this in your essay and clearly identify your document. Be sure your name is also on all attachments.  You may also attach a one-page resume. Any attachments included that are not part of the officially requested materials will not be included in your final application package (such as copies of certificates or honors).

Selection Process

The LGMF Advisory Board will review all applications submitted by the deadline. ICMA will notify all applicants if they have been selected as a finalist once the Advisory Board submits results. Applications will be scored on resume/applicant experience, letters of recommendation, transcripts, personal statement, and management case study. Seventy percent (70%) of the total score is based on the personal essay and case study; basically your passion and demonstrated knowledge. 

Finalists' applications will be routed directly to host local governments for review. Local governments will contact finalists directly to schedule interviews. If you are contacted by a local government, it is strongly recommended that you prepare for the interview as you would for any other employment opportunity.

This page last updated September 27, 2011.