The Rangel Program is a collaborative effort between Howard University and the U.S. State Department that seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers as diplomats in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The program seeks individuals interested in helping to shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing U.S. foreign policy. The Program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need.
There are two major components to the Rangel Program:
- Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program that provides support for graduate school, professional development, and entry into the U.S. Foreign Service.
- Rangel Undergraduate International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program that provides undergraduates with the opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding about U.S. foreign policy during a six-week summer program at Howard University.
Application Deadline for Graduate Fellowship: September 19, 2016
FELLOWSHIPS FOR GRADUATE STUDIES In 2017 the Rangel Program plans to award 30 fellowships of up to $47,500 annually towards tuition, room, board, books and mandatory fees for completion of two-year master’s degrees. At the conclusion of two years of study, the Rangel Fellow is expected to have obtained a degree in international affairs or another area of relevance to the work of the Foreign Service (See curriculum below) at a graduate or professional school approved by the Rangel Program. Awardees are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 throughout their period of study.
TWO SUMMER INTERNSHIPS (CAPITOL HILL AND OVERSEAS AT U.S. EMBASSIES) Rangel Fellows will participate in two internships. The first, an internship working on international issues for Members of Congress in Washington, D.C., will occur in the summer after being selected and before the first year of graduate study. The second will be an overseas internship in a U. S. Embassy that takes place during the summer between the first and second years of graduate study.
MENTORING Each Fellow will receive mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer throughout the duration of the fellowship as well as during his/her early employment at the State Department.
CURRICULUM Fellows must obtain graduate degrees in international affairs or a related subject such as public administration, public policy, international relations, business adminstration, economics, history, political science, communications, or foreign languages at a graduate or professional school approved by the Rangel Program. Studies in law do not satisfy this requirement. Applicants apply to two-year graduate programs at U.S. universities simultaneously with their application to the Rangel Program.
EMPLOYMENT/CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS Fellows who successfully complete the Rangel Program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers in the U.S. Department of State. Fellows are required to obtain medical, security, and suitability clearances in order to remain in the program. Each Rangel Fellow who obtains a master’s degree is committed to a minimum of five years of service as a Foreign Service Officer. Candidates who do not successfully complete the Rangel Program and the subsequent five year service obligation may be subject to a reimbursement obligation. Click here to learn more about the obligations that Rangel Fellows assume when they accept the fellowship.
