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.