Governor Hochul Announces Applications Open for 2022 Empire State Fellows Program

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the application process for the 2022 class of Empire State Fellows. The prestigious program attracts exceptional and diverse talent from New York and around the country to serve in high-level positions in the administration. Since the program's inception ten years ago, graduates of the Empire State Fellows program have gone on into senior roles in State government, including Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Secretary, and Chief of Staff positions at agencies throughout the State.

"As the Empire State, we are proud to welcome the best and the brightest New Yorkers interested in pursuing a career in public service," Governor Hochul said. "I encourage everyone in New York who is interested in serving their community to apply for the Empire State Fellows Program, which has been a transformative opportunity for so many public servants. We look forward to the next class of diverse and accomplished Fellows and the incredible work they will do to make sure the Empire State continues to be a progressive beacon for the nation."

The Empire State Fellows program is a full-time, mid-career fellowship program that prepares the next generation of New York State policymakers. The Governor's Office appoints selected Empire State Fellows to work directly with a Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, or other high-level officials in a State agency or Authority or in the Executive Chamber.

Deputy Secretary for Policy Operations Padma Seemangal said, "As a proud alum of the Empire State Fellows Program, I was privileged to join a cohort of innovative individuals inspired to join public service and to develop their leadership skills. The invaluable skills and knowledge I gained during the Fellows Program served as my introduction to state service, and it is because of this program that I am able to serve through an intersectional lens and ensure New Yorkers are receiving equitable opportunities today."

The incoming class of Empire State Fellows will serve from September 2022 to September 2024 and receive an annual salary of $76,500. Professionals from all sectors - nonprofit, private, higher education - are welcome to apply.

Applications will be accepted through April 4, 2022, go to https://www.ny.gov/new-york-state-fellowship-programs/empire-state-fellows-program for more information on the program and instructions on how to apply.