2017 AF scholarship, fellowship programs offer development opportunities Published June 21, 2016 By Kat Bailey Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Active duty officers interested in unique developmental opportunities may be eligible for one of several scholar or fellowship programs in 2017. The White House Fellows, Mansfield Fellowship Exchange and Olmsted Scholar programs offer distinctive professional career broadening experiences for Air Force leaders. Applicants for all programs must be released by their career field team before submitting applications. The White House Fellows is a nonpartisan program designed to provide emerging leaders an opportunity to experience the process of governing the nation while working alongside public servants at the highest levels of the federal government. Selected individuals typically spend a year working as a full-time, paid fellow to senior White House staff, Cabinet secretaries and other top-ranking government officials. Fellows also participate in an education program consisting of roundtable discussions with renowned leaders from the private and public sectors, and trips to study U.S. policy in action both domestically and internationally. The Mansfield Fellowship Program gives its participants an immersive view of Japan. During their year in the country, fellows are exposed to the mechanisms that drive the policymaking in Japan, the factors and phenomena that define the country's interests, and the unique cultural processes that make it all work. Named in honor of the longest-serving U.S. ambassador to Japan, Mike Mansfield, the program remains a reputable exchange with the strong support of both governments. The Olmsted Scholar Program provides an opportunity for Air Force line officers to study in a foreign language at an international university abroad. The purpose of the Olmsted Scholar Program is to provide officers with an in-depth understanding of foreign languages and cultures so they will be knowledgeable and sensitive to the viewpoints and concerns of people around the world as they progress with their Air Force careers. The program involves cultural immersion for an officer and family, as well as study at the university in the native language. Complete eligibility requirements and application procedures for all three programs are available on the myPers website. For more information about Air Force personnel programs, go to the myPers website. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can request one by following these instructions on the Air Force Retirees Services website.