Georgetown University introduces a fellowship program that recruits former federal technology specialists

Georgetown University has announced a new initiative to offer fellowships to nine newly former federal employees, as part of an effort to bridge the gap between government and technology. The fellowships, split into two groups - Federal Alumni Fellows and Digital Service Alumni Fellows - are designed to provide these experts with opportunities to continue their nonpartisan research and analysis in their respective fields, while offering students access and engagement with experienced technology and policy leaders.

Lynn Overmann, the executive director of the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown, will serve as the university's incoming chair of the interdisciplinary Tech & Society initiative. Overmann, who previously helped lead the U.S. Digital Service (USDS) as a senior advisor for delivery during the Biden administration, is also among the fellows.

Overmann argues that tech experts with government experience are well-equipped to solve non-tech problems, and hopes that the fellowships will attract donors to support their longevity. The Trump administration's efforts have resulted in many federal employees seeking new jobs, and Overmann believes that these fellowships can provide a valuable opportunity for these individuals to continue making a difference.

The fellowships will focus on a variety of issues, including competition policy, modernizing consumer protection, and expanding internet access for underserved communities. Policy experts from the Commerce Department, National Economic Council, and White House Climate Policy Office are among the USDS alums who will be participating in the fellowships. Two former chief technologists from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission are also among the USDS alums.

In addition to the fellowships, Georgetown University offers several resources for former federal employees, including discounts on master's degrees and professional certificates. Overmann is especially excited for the fellows to make connections with students who are interested in civic tech, and hopes that the fellowships will inspire a new generation of tech leaders to pursue careers in public service.

The fellowships were announced on Wednesday, and potential donors supporting further rounds of fellowships at Georgetown University could include Arab countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, which have provided significant donations to Georgetown in the past. The USDS was transformed into the Department of Government Efficiency during the Trump administration, but Overmann remains optimistic about the future of technology and policy in the federal government.

For students interested in public service, there are openings at the state and local levels that offer opportunities to make a difference in their communities. Overmann encourages these students to consider the fellowships as a way to gain valuable experience and connections in the tech and policy worlds. As the fellowships get underway, it is clear that Georgetown University is committed to supporting the next generation of tech leaders and making a positive impact on society.