The United States Foreign Service safeguards America’s national security and manages its relationship with the world. While there are traditional routes to join the foreign service, there are also fellowship programs that facilitate entrance into the diplomatic core. These fellowship programs are highly competitive, consisting of rigorous evaluation processes. As recipient of one of these programs, I am grateful such programs exist to showcase America’s rich talent and incredible diversity. Below are four fellowship programs you can apply for to join the U.S. Foreign Service.
Related Post: 11 Tips To Be Competitive for Scholarships in 2022
The Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship
The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a U.S. State Department program that seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people to serve as diplomats in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of States. The selects Rangel fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide process. In addition to providing financial assistance for two years of graduate study, the program also extends internship, mentoring and professional development opportunities. As a Rangel fellow, I did one internship on the Hill and another at our U.S. Embassy in Thailand! This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Upon successful completion of a two-year graduate degree and fulfillment of Foreign Service entry requirements, fellows have the opportunity to work as Foreign Service Officers with a minimum five-year service commitment in the United States Department of State’s Foreign Service.
Deadline: Sept 22
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship
Similar to the Rangel Fellowship, The Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship is also funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Howard University. The fellowship seeks to attract historically underrepresented applicants, women, and those in need of financial assistance to pursue graduate degrees and other professional development opportunities. Upon successful completion of a two-year graduate degree and fulfillment of Foreign Service entry requirements, fellows have the opportunity to work as Foreign Service Officers across the globe. Fellows also have a a minimum five-year service commitment in the Department of State’s Foreign Service.
Deadline: Sept 29, 2022
The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship
Named after Congressman Donald M. Payne, the Payne Fellowship provides a unique pathway to the USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) Foreign Service. The fellowship provides fellows up to $104,000 in benefits over two years of graduate school. In addition to financial assistance, the program also provides two summer internship programs and professional development opportunities. Fellows who successfully complete the Payne Program and USAID Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Deadline: Nov. 4, 2022
Foreign Affairs IT (FAIT) Fellowship
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the FAIT Fellowship attracts technology talent to the U.S. Foreign Service. The program attracts highly talented individuals who want to pursue an IT-related undergraduate or graduate degree and a career in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist (IMS). The two-year fellowship program provides up to $43,500 in financial assistance, summer allowances for two summer internships and other career development opportunities. Upon successful completion of fellowship program and State Department entry requirements, fellows have a minimum of five-year commitment upon entry into the Foreign Service.
Deadline: September 12, 2022 – February 3, 2023
If you enjoyed reading about these fellowship opportunities, make sure to check out other resources on scholarships below:
13 Undergraduate Scholarships You Should Apply For In 2022
Leave a Reply