Rangel International Affairs Program Graduate Fellowship

Visit Program Website Here

Program Purpose: 

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program aims to prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service in which they can help formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy. Serving their country and promoting positive change globally. This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need.

Program Description and Benefits: 

The Program selects outstanding Rangel Fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide process and supports them through two years of graduate study, internships, mentoring, and professional development activities. . Fellows who successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers, in accordance with applicable law and State Department policy.”

Individuals who have successfully completed the Rangel Program are now making a difference in countries throughout the world, including Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela, South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, China, Korea, Bangladesh, Spain, and Ireland.

GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS — The Rangel Program awards fellowships of up to $37,500 annually for a two year period for tuition, room, board, books and mandatory fees for completion of two-year master’s degrees. This includes up to $21,500 per year for tuition and mandatory fees and an academic year stipend of $16,000. 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 at a graduate school approved by the Rangel Program. Awardees are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 throughout their period of study.

ORIENTATION — New Rangel Fellows will participate in an orientation at Howard University in mid-May. The purposes of the orientation is to familiarize Fellows with all aspects of the fellowship and to enhance their understanding of, and skills for, Foreign Service careers.

TWO SUMMER INTERNSHIPS (CAPITOL HILL AND OVERSEAS AT U.S. EMBASSIES) — Rangel Fellows 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 or Consulate that takes place during the summer between the first and second years of graduate study. The Program provides support of up to $10,000 per summer.

MENTORING — Each Fellow will receive mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer throughout the duration of the fellowship.

CURRICULUM — Fellows must obtain graduate degrees in a field of study relevant to a career in the State Department Foreign Service, such as public administration, public policy, international relations, business administration, 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.

Supported Fields: 

Fellows must obtain graduate degrees in international affairs or a related subject such as economics, history, political science, public administration, communications, public policy, business administration or foreign languages. Studies in law do not satisfy this requirement.

Tenable Institutions: 

The institution at which each Fellow studies must be a U.S. graduate or professional school approved by the Rangel Program.

Application Process: 

Applicants apply to two-year master's programs in the U.S. simultaneously with their application to the Rangel Program. Finalists interviews are usually in November.

There are a number of graduate programs that have agreed in advance to provide financial assistance, in addition to the $21,500 for tuition and $16,000 for a stipend that the Rangel Program awards each year. Because the universities themselves provide these benefits, students should work directly with the key contact points at each university to confirm all aspects of this assistance. The universities recommend that you include the fact that you are applying for the Rangel Fellowship in your application. Rangel Fellows are not limited to attending these programs, and other universities provide assistance to Rangel Fellows on a case-by-case basis.

Potential applicants can request a list of the universities and their offers by e-mailing the Rangel Program at rangelprogram@howard.edu.

Eligibility: 

Graduating seniors with a minimum 3.2 GPA applying to a two-year master's program in a supported field. Graduating master's students, or alumni with a master's degree, who are seeking admission to a two-year master's program in a supported field are also eligible.

Obligations: 

EMPLOYMENT/CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS — Fellows who successfully complete the Rangel Program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments in the State Department Foreign Service in accordance with applicable law and State Department policy. Fellows are required to obtain and maintain 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. Candidates who do not successfully complete the Rangel Program and the subsequent five-year service obligation may be subject to a reimbursement obligation.

Selection Criteria: 

Underrepresented students are especially encouraged to apply.

Citizenship: 

U.S. citizens only.

Program Deadline: 

Usually in September.

More information: 

Visit the Fellow Obligation page to learn more about the obligations that Rangel Fellows assume when they accept the fellowship: http://rangelprogram.org/graduate-fellowship-program-fellow-obligations/

How To Apply: 

Students or alumni, as applicable, may apply directly to this program. Applicants may seek feedback on their application essays from the Fellowships Office, and should do so well in advance of the program deadline.