Jun 1st, 2010
We are now officially recruiting fellows!
by Jennifer Pahlka
Yesterday we honored those who paid the highest price in service to their country. Today Code for America begins recruiting for another form of service. We each have something unique to offer in the work of fixing our country, and if you have a talent for using technology to really engage people, this fellowship may be the best way for you to make a real difference. You won’t risk your life, but it will be challenging, it will push your limits and give you new skills and perspective, and it will be hugely rewarding. To borrow from the Peace Corps, it will be the toughest job you’ll ever love.
Our 2011 Fellows Application is available here. Applications are due August 15th at 9am pacific time, but don’t wait until then to apply. We may ask you for additional information once we see your application, and the more time you give us, the better your chances of being selected. Folks selected for interviews will be contacted by September 1.
Who are we looking for? Anyone with the skills and passion to make cities work better using technology. Many of you will be starting your careers, but others of you will have been working on the web for years and just want a chance to do something important and altruistic. All of you will want to see your work make a difference to cities and change how government works.
We are building small project teams here, so we’re not just looking for developers. We need designers, product managers, and researchers. We need folks who can bring new technologies into city governments and help spread change. We need passionate, smart, diplomatic people who get how it could work better, and can convince others of the value of trying something new.
Please help spread the word about the fellows program to anyone you think may be interested. Information on the program is here, but check back for updates as we are working on several enhancements the program. This is the first year for Code for America so we don’t have all the answers yet, but we’re working hard to put all the pieces together. But no piece is more important than getting the right people to raise their hands and say “I’m in. I want to help.” Can I see a few hands?
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Comments
I am just shocked that you are only recruiting fellows. This is the 21st century after all. What if a smart woman wants to apply?
In case you are wondering…this is a joke. I hope your recruiting effort is a grand success.
Seth B Spearman
SpearSoft LLC
Does it apply for international people?.
So how many people will this put out of work?
People from India are allowed as well ?
I posted my application and hopefully expect positive response. The description mentioned above is quite convincing to me.
Tushar
Software Developer
Mahindra Satyam
Hi , I am an Italian Analyst/Programmer with 11 years of working experience.
Can I apply for it?
If international and global projects would be considered it would be great and so positive, we are just initiating a system in order to help people integration on health, food, organisation, education, environment, communication and cultural aspects. Good luck.
Please try to make this a viable option for those of us who don’t want to leave our careers. If every project that the Fellows were undertaking was on github and was structured for outside contributions, I would contribute, and I would organize a hackfest at my employer’s office to get other people contributing. In fact, if you got one project set up for outside contributions in the next month or so, you could use that as part of the applications process, allowing you to judge people not by a resume but by their work on the project. Feel free to contact me about this if you want my help setting up a project for outside contribution.
Can non-US Citizen/PR apply for it?
Is a felony conviction an automatic disqualifier?
If it is dependent on type, a drug conviction more specifically.
Are there any ways to get around this if so? ie., Rehabilitation Certificates, Character References, etc..
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This is so cool! I just sent in my application. I’m American, expat in Tokyo, and looking for a great altruistic project to come home for.
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This is unbearably awesome.