First you must be nominated. Then Jennie Johnson, Executive Director of the Liberty Fellowship, conducts a personal interview with every candidate. Finally, all candidates are considered in the creation of a class mosaic that reflects the rich diversity of South Carolina. This mosaic transcends race, politics, gender, religion and regions, removing traditional barriers that can block progress for South Carolina.

South Carolina residents between the ages of 30 and 45 are eligible for nomination. Additionally, they must be proven leaders with a history of significant community engagement and successful in their chosen field. Finally the nominator should have confidence in their candidate’s potential to have an impact at the state level.

Follow the easy direction on making a nomination.

Yes. The underlying purpose of the Liberty Fellowship is to connect and help young proven, leaders collaborate to build a stronger South Carolina.

Fellows participate in four seminars over a period of just under two years. Three of the Seminars involve the entire class and are held in South Carolina. Fellows select their fourth seminar from among several Aspen Institute Globalization Seminars.

No. The Liberty Fellowship is rigorously non-partisan and has no religious affiliation. The diversity of perspectives is a core asset of the initiative.

No. The Liberty Fellowship is non-partisan. The Liberty Fellowship does not endorse any political candidate nor does it support any specific public policy initiative.

Nothing. All expenses associated with being a Liberty Fellow during the two year Seminar period are covered. Funding associated with projects is the responsibility of the Fellow. Costs to participate in a Forum or Summit are minimal and are not covered.

Seminars refer to the sessions held during the two-year, intensive Liberty Fellowship experience and and at alumni events for Fellows. Seminars are group discussions consisting exclusively of Fellows and moderators. The seminars encourage sometimes brutally honest and open reflections upon readings that Fellows have studied in advance. Any comment, question or observation is held in strictest confidence by all. Discussions are moderated by Aspen Institute-trained moderators using the Socratic method.  A moderator's task is to encourage an in-depth understanding of varying perspectives on core questions concerning leadership issues. A goal is to explore basic assumptions about choices, ethics and life decisions and encourage debate among the Fellows.

Forums are a new initiative of the Liberty Fellowship. They are issue-based collaborations among Fellows, Senior Advisors and thinkers and doers across South Carolina. There are four Forums: Economic Development, Education, Health/Environment and Public Policy. All are welcome to join a Forum.  Members of a Forum will have access to research and best practices and will be invited to Summits. Research is conducted by South Carolina colleges and universities.

Summits are statewide gatherings featuring global leaders and thinkers linked to a specific Forum arena. They are open to the public. The Summits foster collaboration by gathering Fellows, Senior Advisors and South Carolinians with expertise and passion in these arenas. While neither the Forums nor Summits adopt any specific stance, it is hoped that the gatherings and access to research will inspire thoughtful, collaborative action outside the Liberty Fellowship.

The Liberty Fellowship is based at Wofford College in Spartanburg and also has offices in Greenville. However, the program is a statewide initiative with an expansive network of Fellows, Senior Advisors and Nominators in virtually every corner of the state.