The Edgar Fellows initiative was developed by former Governor Jim Edgar to provide emerging leaders in Illinois public policy with lessons, inspiration and training in statesmanship and current issues while fostering and nurturing relationships that cross regional, political and personal experience boundaries. Started in 2012, the program teaches leadership skills and stresses the importance of problem solving instead of political expedience when addressing the state’s issues and opportunities.

Edgar Fellows 2024 Chicago Dinner

Join the Who's Who of Illinois Government & Public Policy in Celebrating Bipartisanship

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WHO ARE THE FELLOWS?

Forty up and comers in Illinois public policy are selected annually to become the newest Edgar Fellows. Each class reflects the state’s political, ethnic and cultural diversity and include representatives from the public, nonprofit and private sectors. Once chosen, the Fellows are brought together on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus for a week-long executive training workshop. They learn from an array of individuals with extensive public policy experience ranging from Illinois Supreme Court Justices to State of Illinois Agency Directors and former U.S. Cabinet members to high level elected officials from Cook County.

Once training is complete, these new Fellows join the ranks of Edgar Fellows alumni and are invited to participate in dinners and other activities.

You and your financial support are integral to sustaining this program.

Please join with us to sustain Edgar Fellows into the future.

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