Kūhiō Fellows
2025-2026 Kūhiō Fellows Program
The Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Fellows Program is a program that cultivates future leaders in the Native Hawaiian community by placing them in congressional offices.
Program Overview
The Foundation is proud to introduce the inaugural Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Fellows Program. Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole was a prince of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi until it was overthrown in 1893. He later became the Territory of Hawaiʻi’s Delegate to the United States Congress, and as such is the only member of Congress with royal lineage.
This pilot initiative, known as "Kūhiō Fellows," is dedicated to cultivating future leaders within the Native Hawaiian community through a 12-month fellowship. Fellows will gain hands-on experience comparable to that of a congressional legislative aide, honing their skills to advocate for the Native Hawaiian community and excel across a wide range of professional fields.
Fellows are not employees of the federal government, their host office, Kūhiō Fellows, or the Foundation. They will receive housing at the Foundation’s Washington DC program site, along with stipends to help with living expenses, transportation, and student loan payments.
While each Fellowship experience will differ depending on the office in which they are placed and their assigned work, Fellows will gather as a cohort twice a month to share their experiences and participate in professional development opportunities. Fellows will host and/or attend events organized by the Foundation and complete a capstone project.
Program Dates: August, 2025 – July, 2026
Location: Washington, D.C.
Application Deadline: March 31, 2025 at 11:59PM HST
Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are complete. Strong applicants may be selected to advance to interviews before the application deadline. You are encouraged to complete your application as soon as possible.
Requirements
Program Requirements
Kūhiō Fellows must be able to meet all program requirements:
Relocate to Washington DC during the program from August 2025 - July 2026. There is no remote work option
Work a minimum of 40 hours a week at the host office with no secondary employment
Attend orientation in August 2025
Engage in program-sponsored training, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge
Pursue a minimum of six networking events, panel discussion, or collaborative projects during the Fellowship to build connections and foster community
Comply with Kūhiō Fellow policies regarding work performance, personal conduct, and house rules
Participate in required Fellowship programming to maintain good standing
Complete quarterly reports and program evaluations
Complete a final capstone project that reflects their contributions and learning, highlighting the significance of their experience to the Native Hawaiian community
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be at least 21 years of age by August 1, 2025
Demonstrate a strong interest in, and dedication to, the preservation of Hawaiian culture or the history of Hawaiʻi.
Previous paid or unpaid leadership or public service experience preferred
Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required
An undergraduate degree is preferred
If applicable, applicants must have an overall graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Preference will be given to those of Native Hawaiian descent
Applicant must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance as a condition of employment in this position. Eligibility for a security clearance requires U.S. citizenship, a background investigation, and the absence of any disqualifying factors, such as significant financial issues, criminal history, or illegal drug use. Candidates selected for this role must cooperate to undergo the necessary background check as required by the sponsoring government agency.
Selection Process
Application Period
Request, complete, and submit a complete application package
1.
Application Review
Applications are reviewed individually and scored by the Selection Committee. Applications are scored based on evidence of leadership and leadership potential, community involvement, commitment to public service, clarity of writing, and ability to challenge self.
2.
Initial Interview
Top candidates receive an invitation to interview with the Foundation’s Selection Committee. Interviews are scored based on leadership qualities and experience, professionalism, commitment to public service, and future aspirations.
3.
Congressional Office Interview
The top eight candidates from the Initial Interviews will each receive a $1,000 award and be presented to congressional office partners for interviews and potential placement.
4.
Questions?
Please read our FAQs or contact:
fellows@kawananakoafoundation.org
FAQs
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The deadline to apply for the fellowship is March 31, 2025 by 11:59pm HST
Applications will be reviewed as they are completed (meaning once letters of recommendation have been submitted as well as all application materials).
Strong applicants will be invited to interview through the end of April.
The Foundation’s top eight candidates will be sent to congressional offices who may conduct their own interviews with candidates.
Candidates must be selected by the Foundation and the congressional office in order to be admitted into the cohort. The Fellows Program hopes to finalize the cohort by the end of May, although due to congressional schedules, the placement process may go into the summer.
Fellows will arrive in Washington, D.C. August 2025 and start working in congressional offices after the completion of the Foundation’s two-week orientation.
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Fellows will receive one year of professional work experience and access to professional development programs and networking in Washington DC.
A key component of the program is housing, which will be provided for the cohort at the Foundation’s program site in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC located at 604 5th St. NE, Washington, D.C. 20002. Fellows are responsible for their personal expenses, including food, incidentals, and transportation to and from their host offices.
A stipend of $35,000 will be distributed as follows: $5,000 at the beginning of the orientation, $2,500 monthly throughout the duration of the 10-month Fellowship, and $5,000 at the end of the program.
Student loan payment assistance of up to $500 per month, in the form of a stipend, during the duration of the Fellowship is available for Fellows who request it.
A $2,000 stipend for transportation to and from Washington, D.C., at the beginning and end of the program, as well as for the holiday recess.
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The 2025-2026 Fellowship runs from August 2025 –July 2026.
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Being selected as a finalist after interviewing with the Foundation does not guarantee a placement in a congressional office or the program cohort. Congressional offices have sole discretion in their selection.
To join the cohort, applicants must be selected by both the Foundation and the congressional office, complete all relevant Foundation paperwork, and successfully pass the required background check.
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Fellows are placed in Hawaiʻi Delegation offices on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.
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No. The Foundation is a non-partisan organization and encourages applicants interested in serving in both Democratic and Republican offices to apply. Our goal is to provide the best fellowship experience regardless of party affiliation.
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Yes. We encourage applicants who are not accepted this year to apply again in the future.
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No. If you decline to participate in the cohort to which you are admitted, we will not hold your place in a future cohort. You must reapply again if you wish to participate in a different year.
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Yes. If you have a passion for Native Hawaiian culture, you are encouraged to apply.
Kūhiō Fellows DC House - Front
Kūhiō Fellows DC House - Back
Kūhiō Fellows DC House - Kitchen