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The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is now accepting applications for the 2028 class of its annual Founders’ Fellows program. Established in 2016, this initiative offers graduate students and starting professionals in public administration access to presenting their research and receiving guidance and assistance in their careers.
ASPA will select up to 30 individuals for this program, with each receiving the following benefits:
- Guaranteed acceptance to present their work at ASPA’s 2028 Annual Conference, including complimentary registration and hotel room
- Year-long mentorship with a senior mentor in the discipline, matched with each Fellow based on professional and academic interests
- Tailored professional improvement webinars that address their specific educational and professional needs
One Founders’ Fellow in the Class of 2026 is Rebekah Lankford, ABFM Member and Doctoral Student at The University of Georgia. Rebekah expressed great appreciation for the program and its support as she continues her professional journey.
“The Founders’ Fellows program is far more than a line item on a CV,” Rebekah said. “It has reminded me why I began my PhD journey, why I’m excited about my chosen career path, and why I am fascinated with the field of public administration.”
Rebekah added, “The program has given me the opportunity to connect with scholars who have contributed foundational work to the field of public administration and public budgeting and finance, but also with peers from other institutions on their own academic journeys. I am deeply grateful to ABFM and (Public Financial Publications) for their support and encourage every eligible student to apply!”
The ASPA Founders’ Fellows program is open to current ASPA members who are either enrolled as graduate students (master’s or doctoral level) or serving as a new professional within 3 years of graduating from an academic program. Individuals applying must provide the following:
- Contact information and relevant biographical details
- An outline of career and research interests
- A resume or curriculum vitae
- An essay
- Letter of recommendation from a current ASPA member
Individuals interested in applying should review the full announcement at the ASPA website, where they can also confirm their membership status with the organization. While ABFM is a research section of ASPA, individuals who posses the ABFM-only membership are not members of ASPA. Discounted rates are available from ASPA for student and new professional memberships.
The deadline for submission of complete application packets, including letters of recommendation, is Tuesday, December 15, 2026, 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
ABFM is an underwriting sponsor of the ASPA Founders’ Fellows program.