Website: http://www.twc.edu/thomas-r-pickering-foreign-affairs-fellowship-program
For More Information Contact: National Scholarships Office – scholarships@umd.edu
Who Can Apply: US Citizens – Juniors – All majors – GPA of 3.2 or higher required
IMPORTANT: Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply.
Description: The Pickering Undergraduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship program was created by the U.S. State Department to attract outstanding students from all ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds who are interested in pursuing careers as Foreign Service officers. Foreign Service officers staff U.S. embassies, consulates, and missions worldwide and also serve in Washington, D.C. Their responsibilities include policy analysis, formulation, and execution; management of resources; the provision of services to Americans in need; implementation of U.S. immigration and nationality law; trade promotion and business facilitation; public diplomacy; and representation of U.S. interests.
The Pickering Fellowship program seeks to recruit talented juniors majoring in fields relevant to international affairs, political and economic analysis, administration, management, and science policy. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply.
The Fellow must commit to pursuing a master’s degree in international studies at one of the graduate schools participating in the program. Participating graduate schools provide financial support in the second year of graduate study based on need.
IMPORTANT: More information about the US State Department Foreign Service is available at: http://www.careers.state.gov/officer
Program Preferences: The Pickering Undergraduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship program prefers applicants who are strongly motivated to pursue careers as Foreign Service officers.
Consideration will be given to qualified applicants who, in addition to outstanding leadership skills and academic achievement, demonstrate financial need.
Service Obligation: Each successful candidate is obligated to a minimum of five years of service as a Foreign Service officer. Candidates who do not successfully complete the Program and meet Foreign Service entry requirements may be subject to a reimbursement obligation to the U.S. Department of State.
Award Amount: The award provides financial support of up to $37,500 annually for actual expenses for the senior year of college and the first year of graduate study. Tuition costs will be covered first. Pending availability, any remaining funding will be allotted to the following related academic fees and expenses: room, board, books, mandatory fees and one round-trip ticket per academic year between the Fellow's residence and the academic institution.
Duration: The fellowship supports one year of undergraduate study and one year of graduate study, followed by the required minimum five years of service. In addition, Fellows must participate in one overseas and one domestic summer internship within the U.S. Department of State. Students receive a stipend during the internships.
National Deadlines: Application deadline - January 13, 2017
