The White House Fellows program is a federal fellowship program established via Executive Order by President of the United States Lyndon B. Johnson in October 1964, based upon a suggestion from John W. Gardner, then the president of Carnegie Corporation, who would eventually become the 6th Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. The mission of the program is "to give the Fellows first hand, high-level experience with the workings of the federal government and to increase their sense of participation in national affairs." President Johnson expected the Fellows to 'repay that privilege' when they left by 'continuing to work as private citizens on their public agendas.' He hoped that the Fellows would contribute to the nation as future leaders.