The Edgar Fellows

“I loved being surrounded by individuals who were just as interested in policymaking as I was. It was a master class taught by the very best and an immersion program on issues of critical importance. It allowed me to imagine what it would be like to interact daily with smart, commit›ted colleagues. I was convinced to run because I enjoyed being with people whose job it is to solve problems for people of the state and whose goal every day is to improve people’s lives.”

“The Edgar Fellows Program was an incredibly rewarding experience for me, both personally and professionally, and it has had a direct impact on my time in public service. The values of civility, compassion, and compromise have assisted me and my ability to reach across the aisle on public policy issues that affect the country and my Illinois constituents.”

“I loved every part of the Edgar Fellows Program. I met people from all over the state and with different backgrounds, and we have become friends and helpful resources to each other. The program truly teaches you the value of compromise, civility and compassion in our politics."

“The Edgar Fellows Program did a phenomenal job of bringing together diverse individuals with unique insight on how to approach common challenges. It was deeply insightful and engaging. We covered nuanced approaches to public policy and the skills needed to craft productive solutions.”

“I think a major takeaway is that we’re really not all that different. People are going to disagree on some issues but at the end of the day, we’re all Illinoisans.”

“The knowledge and relationships gained as an Edgar Fellow have been invaluable. With the challenges facing our state, we need leadership programs like this to foster professional growth and encourage working together in a bipartisan way to get our great state back on track.”

“The Edgar Fellows Program was a truly amazing experience for me. It allowed leaders from across Illinois to listen and learn from one another, and helped us build lasting relationships rooted in respect and collaboration. Those connections continue to shape how I lead and serve, and I’m grateful for the chance to participate in the program.”

“I was proud and humbled to be an Edgar Fellow in 2015. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet people from across the state who are all involved in public policy and who want to make Illinois and the United States a better place to live and to work. The friendships and relationships have been invaluable to me.”

“The Edgar Fellows Program was an invaluable experience that strengthened my leadership skills and deepened my understanding of collaborative, bipartisan governance. Engaging with public servants from across Illinois challenged my perspective and reinforced the importance of thoughtful, ethical decision-making in public service. I left the program better equipped to lead and also with lifelong friendships.”

“It is truly an honor to be selected as an Edgar Fellow. This valuable opportunity affords participants a seat at the table to engage with, and grow alongside, Illinois’ brightest young leaders. By bridging the partisan and geographic divides that separate Illinoisans from each other, there is no limit to what we can achieve as a state.”

“The Edgar Fellows program taught me the skills I need to be a leader. Most importantly, it taught me the importance of bipartisanship and to be collaborative. Government works best when we can all work together to solve difficult problems for the people we represent.”

“The Edgar Fellows program offers the perfect mix of pragmatic policy, bipartisan cooperation and aspirational leadership. The program offered a deeper understanding of the state’s problems, a renewed hope for solutions and a reminder of both the incredible history and vast potential of our great state.”