ALEX Pilot Summer Fellowship (Student)

ALEX Pilot Summer Fellowship (Student)

Location

Alexandria, VA

Job Type

Temporary

Job Number

2026-00393

Department

Department of Human Resources

Division

TALENT ACQ

Opening Date

05/18/2026

Closing Date

6/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

N/A

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Advancing Leaders through Education & eXperience (A.L.E.X.)

Pilot Student Summer Fellowship Program

Program Overview

The A.L.E.X Pilot Summer Fellowship Program is a one-week immersive experience designed for rising high school juniors and seniors residing in the City of Alexandria. The program provides Fellows with direct exposure to local government operations through leadership job shadowing, professional development, and civic engagement.

Participants are paired with leaders across City departments, where they gain insight into careers in public service, leadership decision-making, and community impact. In addition to on-the-job experiences, Fellows engage in structured learning sessions, including leadership seminars, networking opportunities with City officials, and completion of an Individual Development Plan (IDP) Self-Assessment.

The Opportunity

This opportunity is to provide high school students with experiential learning opportunities that build leadership capacity, enhance career readiness, and foster a deep understanding of public service in the City of Alexandria.

Under supervision, Fellows may assist with basic administrative and operational tasks to support their learning experience:

• Observe daily operations of assigned executive leaders
• Attend meetings, briefings, and strategic discussions (as appropriate)
• Gain insight into decision-making processes within city government
• Attend leadership and professional development workshops
• Complete an Individual Development Plan (IDP) Self-Assessment
• Take notes or summarize meetings (when appropriate)
• Research a community issue or topic assigned by mentor

Eligibility & Application Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a current high school student (rising junior or senior)
• Be a resident of the City of Alexandria (proof of residency)
• Be eligible to work in the United States
• Demonstrate interest in public service, leadership, or government

Application Requirements

Applicants must provide the following materials:

• Completed online application at www.governmentjobs.com
• High school transcript (unofficial accepted)
• One 500-word essay (select from one of the provided prompts below)
• Proof of Alexandria residency

Essay Prompts

• Option 1 - Commitment to Community: Describe a challenge or issue facing your community. How would you, as a future civic leader, help address it?
• Option 2 - Interest in Public Service: What inspires your interest in public service or local government, and how do you hope to make an impact in your community?
• Option 3 - Leadership Experience: Describe a time when you demonstrated leadership. What did you learn about yourself, and how will this experience shape your future goals?

Compensation & Residency

Fellows will receive a stipend of $1,000 for the one-week program,

Participation is limited to students who reside within the City of Alexandria. Residency must be verified through documentation (e.g., school enrollment, utility bill, or guardian proof of address).

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Applicants must provide the following materials:

• Completed online application at www.governmentjobs.com
• High school transcript (unofficial accepted)
• One 500-word essay (select from provided prompts)
• Proof of Alexandria residency

Notes

First Screening Date: May 25, 2026

All applicants must successfully complete a background check prior to start date.

The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.

We are proud to welcome you to explore the City of Alexandrias excellent benefits and programs!

Click here to learn more about Employee Benefits

Click here to learn more about the Citys Employee Development Program

The benefits referenced on this site, may be changed from time to time without notice. Temporary and some part-time positions are not eligible for these benefits. For further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team of Human Resources at DHR.TA@alexandriava.gov.

01

Are you currently a high school junior or senior residing in the City of Alexandria? Please indicate grade level.

• Yes
• No

02

Are you involved in any school clubs, volunteer work, or referred by any community-based organization within the City of Alexandria? If so, please list below

Required Question

Employer City of Alexandria

Address City Hall

421 King Street,

Alexandria, Virginia, 22314

Phone 7037463784

Website http://alexandriava.gov/jobs