Questions & Answers

A: The program is approximately nine months, covering the academic year. The 2011-2012 Capital Fellows program will begin on September 6, 2011 and end on June 1st, 2012.

A: The exact size of the program is wholly dependent on the number of people God brings who fit the program's design and mission. The class of Fellows will never exceed 15 members in a given year, and it will usually be kept below that.

A: Yes, we arrange a break so Fellows can visit their families or go elsewhere during the holidays. Fellows that can not or do not wish to go home during this break are welcome into our church and family life during the holidays.

A: Many Fellows will find jobs in the area, either at their workplace internship employer or elsewhere (though no such job is guaranteed). Others will move to other cities or return to school. Wherever program graduates go, they will be Christian leaders in their churches and communities.

A: If you apply by one of the three deadlines listed on the admissions page, you will receive a response on or before the promised date. Initially, we will review all applications which we receive at a given deadline. After that initial review, applicants who seem to be a good fit for the program will have two interviews, via phone or (if the applicant is local) in person. After those interviews, we will respond to let you know if you are accepted, wait listed, or if we suggest that you pursue other options. Throughout the process the Fellows Program Coordinator or Admissions Committee Chairperson will keep in touch with you about your status and is available for questions.

A: The interviews are just conversations. They are our chance to get to know you beyond what is written on a piece of paper. You will have two interviews. Each will be with someone (one with a man and one with a woman) from the Fellows Steering Committee, which oversees the program. The interviews are also a great time for you to ask questions.

A: It's better to apply sooner, as that gives us the most flexibility in lining up internships, mentors, and housing situations that best match your interests and situation.

A: If you are accepted, we will begin matching you with your workplace internship, your mentor, and your host family. In each of these cases, we will try to understand you and your preferences and make the best match possible for your interests and spiritual growth.

A: When you are accepted, you also will be provided with a fundraising packet. Though $6,300 may seem like a large amount, it is very doable, if you pray and work at it. Since fundraising for The Capital Fellows covers a limited period (9 months), donors are generally far more willing to make a commitment for this short period than they are for an unlimited period. Between monthly commitments and one-time gifts, God provides what is needed.

A: Since you will live with a host family, your expenses shouldn't be very high, although you are responsible for your transportation and health insurance. Because of the Fellows' classification as full-time students and academic coursework, many Fellows are able to retain dependent status on their parents' health insurance policy. Additionally, your workplace internship will be paid, and that money is yours to use for living expenses or other items. You won't live large, but as long as you don't waste money, the Fellows program is financially feasible.

A: No. Fellows are required to have health insurance, whether as a dependent on their parents' plan or through an independent policy.

A: Because our class work is in conjunction with Reformed Theological Seminary, and because you will earn 12 credits for your participation in the Fellows program, you may be able to qualify as a full-time student. Lenders generally are willing to delay payment of student loans as long as you remain a full-time student. Students should check with their lender(s) to understand the process to request a deferral. The ultimate decision regarding such a deferral is up to the lender(s).

A: Once you are accepted as a Fellow, we will be in touch with you regarding your potential career interests. Between that information and the information from your application, we will match you with the best internship match we can provide. This is a judgment call, and it involves much prayer.

A: Once you are accepted as a Fellow, we will be in touch with you regarding your host family preferences. We make host family decisions based upon your preferences, the host families' preferences, and the geographic location of your workplace internship. Again, this is a judgment call, and it involves much prayer.