Guidelines for Public Service Fellowship supervisors:

Thank you for writing a letter of commitment for the Public Service Fellowship program at the MIT Public Service Center (PSC). Each year about 50 MIT students receive funding for a Public Service Fellowship to build capacity for an underserved community or organization. By 'capacity building' we mean a project that results in long-term, sustainable benefit for the community.

If at all possible, please read a draft of the student’s Fellowship application before writing your letter. Otherwise, please discuss the project details with the student before committing to supporting the project.

Please provide the selection committee with a letter of commitment of no more than two pages. Be sure to include the following information (please indicate what would be the best way to reach you):

• Student’s name
• Name of the organization you represent
• Your position in the organization
• Organization address
• Organization phone number
• Personal phone number
• E-mail

Please outline the project idea and its usefulness to your organization.  Describe how the student will fit into your organization and how you plan to work together with the student on this project. Indicate your commitment to supporting the student with project advice and useful local knowledge where appropriate. It is important that you also acknowledge that the student has ownership of the project.

We are also interested in knowing what skills the student may need to develop in order to make a success of the project given your knowledge of the work plan and the community you are both serving. All responses will be treated confidentially and used solely for the selection process.

Email your recommendation to fellowships-staff@mit.edu by March 21. If you know that you will not be able to meet the deadline, please email fellowships-staff@mit.edu and let us know when to expect your letter. However, it is in the student’s best interest for you to submit your letter of commitment on time. All of us in the Public Service Fellowship selection committee are grateful for your help. Please direct inquiries, faxes, or emails to:

Alison Hynd
Fellowships and Internships Program Administrator
MIT Public Service Center
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 4-104, Cambridge, MA 02139
fellowships-staff@mit.edu, p: 617.258.0691, f: 617.258.9357