2021 Pickering Graduate Fellowship Program | Apply by October 21

The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the 2021 Pickering Graduate Fellowship Program! There are key changes this year, including an increase in available fellowship awards, increase in tuition and stipend funding, expanded eligible graduate programs, and a new deadline!

The Pickering Graduate Fellowship is a U.S. Department of State program, administered by Howard University, that seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers as Foreign Service Officers in the U.S. Department of State. The Program will select 45 Fellows for the 2021 program, a 50% increase over the 30 Fellows selected in 2020.

The Program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, social, and geographic diversity. Applicants with any undergraduate major are welcome to apply. Selected Fellows will receive support for graduate school and will enter exciting and rewarding careers representing the United States overseas.

Program Benefits

  • An orientation to the Program and the Foreign Service at Howard University in Washington, D.C. in early summer 2021 for the newly selected Pickering Fellows.
  • Two summer internships, one in Washington, D.C. in the summer 2022 and one overseas at a U.S. embassy or consulate in summer 2023.
  • Up to $84,000 over two years toward tuition, fees and living expenses for a two-year master’s degree in fields related to the Foreign Service such as Business Administration, Economics, Public Policy, and International Relations at a U.S.-based institution.
  • Mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer throughout the duration of the Program.
  • Employment in the State Department Foreign Service for those who successfully complete the program and meet Foreign Service entry requirements, in accordance with applicable law and State Department policy, with each Fellow committing to a minimum of five years of service.

Eligibility Requirements

  • U.S. citizenship.
  • Seeking admission to graduate school in fall 2021 for a two-year graduate program in an area of relevance to the Foreign Service at a U.S.-based institution.
  • Cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.

About the U.S. Foreign Service
Foreign Service Officers in the U.S. Department of State are responsible for formulating, implementing and supporting U.S. foreign policy. Their work includes analyzing political and economic events around the world; negotiating with foreign governments; assisting U.S. citizens abroad; educating foreign audiences about American culture and values; and managing an embassy’s operations. They are engaged in foreign policy issues such as conflict resolution, human rights, environmental and health issues, nuclear nonproliferation, and educational exchange. A Foreign Service career is much more than just a job; it is a uniquely demanding and rewarding way of life. Foreign Service Officers work in Washington, D.C. and in more than 250 diplomatic posts worldwide. As representatives of the United States, Foreign Service Officers have a direct impact on people’s lives, witness history in the making, and help create and implement U.S. policy.

Application Deadline
October 21, 2020

Apply here
https://apply.pickeringfellowship.org/

Website
www.pickeringfellowship.org

Program Contact
pickeringfellowship@howard.edu
202-806-6495

 

 

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