The First-Year Fellows program is uniquely designed to be much more than an internship. Prior to their placement, Fellows take two academic courses—one on public policy and one on statistical methods—and participate in the Dartmouth Leadership Attitudes and Behaviors program. 

During the spring term, Fellows are selected through a competitive application and interview process and then matched with an alumni mentor and placement organization best suited to their academic and career interests.

At the end of the spring term, the students begin Civic Skills Training (CST) which provides them with additional instruction in public speaking, networking, workplace writing, project management, and professionalism. In June, Fellows reconvene in Washington, D.C. for an additional five days of training the week before their 8-week fellowship begins.

Since 2007, the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center has offered first-year students and Dartmouth alumni a dynamic program called First-Year Fellows (FYF). This program provides first-year students the opportunity to engage in public policy early in their Dartmouth careers.

For students the program starts on campus during the fall and winter terms as potential participants are required to take PBPL 5: Introductory to Public Policy and a research methods course. They are also expected to participate in the Dartmouth Leadership Attitudes and Behaviors program. 

During the spring term, Fellows are selected through a competitive application and interview process and then matched with an alumni mentor and placement organization best suited to their academic and career interests.

The Rockefeller Center congratulates the following members of the Class on 2017 on their selection into the First-Year Fellow program, and acknowledges the First-Year Fellow mentors, whose dedication and support make this program possible. 

The Rockefeller Center congratulates the following members of the Class on 2016 on their selection into the First-Year Fellow program, and acknowledges the First-Year Fellow mentors, whose dedication and support make this program possible. 

The Rockefeller Center congratulates the following members of the Class on 2015 on their selection into the First-Year Fellow program, and acknowledges the First-Year Fellow mentors, whose dedication and support make this program possible.