Application procedures have been established for the 2004 Harvard Fire Executive Fellowship Program, sponsored through a partnership between the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Fire Service Training Association, the National Fire Protection Association and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Each organization will fund the tuition costs of two individuals for a total of eight fellowships.

US Fire Administrator R. David Paulison, a graduate of the Harvard Fellowship Program, applauds the program.

“ I know this experience provides the opportunity for senior fire executives to participate in a high quality and world recognized, professional development program,” he said. “The individuals selected will have the unique opportunity to share with other state and local government participants about the many contemporary emergency services issues and challenges faced by all Americans.”

Eight senior fire executives will be awarded fellowships to attend Harvard's annual "Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government." The three-week program is conducted on the Harvard campus in Cambridge, Mass. Selected fellows would be assigned to attend one of the two 2004 session dates: June 13 – July 2, 2004, July 11-30, 2004 or a third session scheduled for February of 2005. Applicants must be available to attend any one of the three sessions. Applicants are responsible for travel costs to the final interview process and, if selected, also to Cambridge. Housing will be provided at NETC for the interview process.

The following criteria and guidelines have been established for the 2004 program:

• Application is open to senior fire executives who have demonstrated significant career accomplishments and have the potential to impact and initiate change. Attainment of a senior position is less important than demonstrated experience in facilitating significant change within a public sector setting.
• Preference may be given to applicants who are graduates of the NFA's "Executive Fire Officer Program," although program completion is not a
prerequisite. Preference may also be given to applicants who have completed graduate-level degree programs or course work.
• Individuals whose organizations have been represented in the Harvard Fellowship Program during 2001, 2002, or 2003 will not be considered. The program is available to international participants.

A FEMA General Admission Application (Form 75-5) is required and must be postmarked no later than Jan. 31, 2004. An organizational chart of the applicant's sponsoring organization (with applicant's position highlighted) is required. All applicants are encouraged to include a resume with their submission.

All application packages should be forwarded to:

Harvard Fellowship Program, U.S. Fire Administration,
c/o Ms. Kathleen Carter, 16825 South Seton Ave,
Emmitsburg, Maryland, 21727.

For questions, contact Ms.Carter at 301-447-1349, or send e-mail to: Kathleen.carter@dhs.gov. For more information, click here.