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.

Individuals with expertise, a commitment or simply a deep curiosity around an issue should consider joining a Forum.

Complete this Forum Enrollment Form and you will be added to the Forum contact list. Please note that you can be a member of only one Forum at a time.

Yes. First and foremost, Forum members are expected to be respectful of all views as they explore readings, research, and current trends. Participants should be honest, civil and candid in voicing their views and discussing the research. Additionally, Forum chairs may send PDF readings or links to articles to Forum members to explore during a webinar. Members are encouraged to be familiar with readings prior to the meeting. Forums also will hold annual statewide Summits. The Summits will feature global leaders as speakers on the issues. Consisting of plenary and break-out sessions, Summits allow Fellows, Senior Advisors and other South Carolina leaders to explore issues to a greater depth than possible in webinars. Forum members are encouraged to participate in Summits.

Anyone who has signed up to be a Forum member and has provided contact information will receive a notice on webinars and Summits.

No. Forums are strictly non-advocacy. It is hoped that the Forum discussions and best practice research will inspire individuals to collaborate to achieve positive change.

More than 90% of the Fellow projects along with nearly all of the responses to the evaluation question: “How do you plan to make south Carolina a stronger, more vibrant state?” fell within one of the four Forum areas.

While additional Forums are not anticipated in the short term, there may be Forum subgroups based upon the level of engagement and interest.

No. However, you will be a part of the Liberty Fellowship community and have the opportunity to collaborate and work with Fellows and Senior Advisors.

If you live outside South Carolina but are deeply committed to South Carolina issues, you may join a Forum. It is important to emphasize that the focus of Liberty Fellowship is on South Carolina issues and opportunities.

February 1 is the annual nomination deadline for consideration the same calendar year.  However, Liberty Fellowship accepts nominations year round so if you have missed this year's deadline please submit your candidate now for consideration next year.

Any South Carolina resident between the age of 30 and 45. Must not have turned 46 by February 1 of year nominated to be considered.

None. Education of Fellows ranges from no college degree to post doctoral work.

There are no specific employment requirements. However, the majority of each class comes from the business sector.

Successful nominees will have a history of meaningful civic and community engagement that includes positions of leadership.

No. There are no ”bonus points” for credentials of the nominator.

Nominees need to have a clear understanding of the required commitment.

Fellows must participate in four, five-day seminars over a period of two years. They must complete required readings before the seminars take place. See  Seminar Schedule for current nominees. They must identify and submit a project idea to be initiated during the two years and completed within a four year period. Also, all Fellows belong to one of the four Forums. Finally, Fellows must be willing at the end of two years to articulate and follow through on the actions they will take to make South Carolina a stronger state.

It varies from year to year, but about 100 new candidates are nominated each year. In addition to new nominees, all previous nominees are considered as long as they are age-eligible. For any class, as many as 200-300 candidates might be in the pool for consideration.

Face-to-Face Interview. The Liberty Fellowship executive director personally interviews all newly nominated candidates in regional locations of Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and Spartanburg. Additional interview locations are added as needed.

Formation of a Class Mosaic. There are more bright and competent candidates than places available. A critical task is to bring together the strongest candidates in a class that – as a whole - reflects South Carolina in all its rich diversity. Considerations include creating an optimum cross section of gender, geographic, urban/rural, political, social, occupational and ethnic characteristics.

The good news is that every nominee remains in the active candidate pool until he or she ages out. Many candidates are selected three, four or even five years after they were nominated.

The candidate does not need to be nominated again. However, it is a good idea for candidates with a strong interest to submit updates - particularly in the areas of career and community or state engagement. Joining the Forums and actively participating is also a way to both demonstrate interest in the Fellowship and learn more about it.

This happens. Unfortunately, many highly qualified leaders may not fit the mosaic for a specific year or years. The good news is that they can become a part of the Liberty Fellowship community by joining one of four Forums (Health/Environment, Education, Economic Development and Public Policy). They can attend Summits, make nominations and potentially become a Senior Advisor.