The Westchester County Board of Legislators has welcomed its second class of students to the Herman S. Geist Fellowship Program, a paid summer internship that gives high school and college students firsthand experience in county government and public service.
Representing communities across Westchester, this year’s fellows will spend the summer working in legislators’ offices, assisting with constituent and policy-related projects, learning about the legislative process, and gaining insight into how county government serves residents. In addition to their office assignments, fellows will participate in group activities, special projects, a mock legislative session, as well as public safety and health training. These experiences are designed to broaden understanding of public service while reflecting the Board’s commitment to civic engagement and developing the next generation of community leaders.
The fellowship officially began with an orientation program on June 1 at the Board of Legislators. Fellows received an introduction to the Board’s role in county government and met the professionals who support its work, including legislative, fiscal, communications, and administrative staff.
Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said, “We’re proud to welcome this year’s fellows and give them an opportunity to see county government up close. Through their work with legislators and staff, they’ll gain valuable experience while helping to carry forward Herman Geist’s legacy of leadership and service to Westchester.”
The program is named in honor of Herman S. Geist, the first chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators and a lifelong public servant whose contributions helped shape county government and civic institutions throughout Westchester. The fellowship was established by the Board in 2025 to honor Geist on the occasion of his 100th birthday, creating a lasting opportunity for young people to learn about public service while recognizing his extraordinary legacy and decades of service to Westchester County.
