Community Fund seeking Hatfield Fellowship applicants

Applications for the 2020-21 Hatfield Fellowship program are being accepted through April 30.

The fellowship program is funded by Spirit Mountain Community Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

The Community Fund annually sponsors a highly motivated Native American to serve as the Hatfield Fellow and intern in an Oregon congressional office. Placement of the fellow rotates through the Oregon delegation to improve the mutual understanding between leadership in Washington, D.C., and Indian Country.

Fellows gain knowledge and understanding of how to navigate the political process in Washington, D.C., while working on issues that directly affect Native Americans.

Hatfield Fellows begin their Capitol Hill experience in November with a month-long orientation at the American Political Science Association. Then they serve an eight-month internship in a congressional office while receiving a monthly stipend and relocation and travel expenses.

Tribal members from the nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon, as well as members of Tribes in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska, are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to Oregon Tribal members. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or be graduating in June and be 21 or older to apply.

The Hatfield Fellowship was created in 1998 to honor Sen. Mark Hatfield’s public service to Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

For more information about the program or to apply, visit thecommunityfund.com/grants-programs/hatfield-fellowship or go to youtu.be/7T0nNoFgUYs to watch an informational video.