“Excelsior,” meaning “ever upward,” is New York State’s official motto and upward-looking UB Law School seniors are now eligible for the governor’s Excelsior Service Fellowship Program, which aims to bring high-achieving new graduates into public service.  

The program, established in 2013, recruits highly talented graduates of colleges, universities, and graduate, law and professional schools for two-year placements in the Executive Chamber and at 41 state government agencies and authorities. UB Law recently became a partner school in the program, which also include the Fordham, NYU and Albany law schools, as well as units of Harvard and Columbia universities.

Excelsior Fellows work full time at host agencies of the state’s executive branch, advancing the operational aspects of large policy initiatives. Placements have included the Executive Chamber, the Empire State Development Corporation, the Justice Center, the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

“Recruiting new ideas, fresh talent and energy is a great way to transform state government as we continue to build a new New York,” Gov. Cuomo said in establishing the program. “That is exactly what the Excelsior Service Fellows will provide for New York.”

Beyond their initial two-year posting, many fellows continue to serve New York State. More than 60 percent of the first class of Excelsior Fellows were offered permanent positions after their fellowships were completed.

Fellows who hold the JD degree are placed in legal assignments unless they request otherwise. Candidates may also express their interest in being placed in a particular agency. The fellowships, located in Albany and in New York City, begin in September.

The application process involves a background check, submission of a resume, academic transcripts, references and a cover letter. The application deadline is Jan. 15.

 Marc Davies, associate director for career services, is administering the program at UB Law School. He can be reached at (716) 645-3707 or mrdavies@buffalo.edu.