USAID and State Department Foreign Service Scholarships

Are you aiming at a career in Diplomacy or International Development? Are you interested in joining the Foreign Service of the US Department of State or the US Agency for International Development (USAID)?

The Pickering, Payne, and Rangel Fellowship programs seek young men and women who are dedicated to representing America's interests abroad. Students with evidence of financial need (such as Pell Grants or subsidized loans) are encouraged to apply. Members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department or USAID Foreign Services, including those who have financial need, are encouraged to apply. Pickering, Payne, and Rangel awards provide financial support for two years of graduate study (and one year of undergraduate study also for junior-year Pickering awardees), as well as summer internship placements and mentoring programs. See more detailed information below.

Who can apply: U.S. Citizens; GPA of 3.2 or higher required; Graduating Seniors and Recent Grads are eligible to apply for Pickering, Payne, and Rangel Fellowships; Juniors are eligible to apply for the Pickering Undergraduate Fellowship; full-time undergraduate students who are eligible to apply for the Rangel Summer Enrichment program. Students with evidence of financial need (such as Pell Grants or subsidized loans) are encouraged to apply. Members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department or USAID Foreign Services, including those who have financial need, are encouraged to apply.

PLEASE NOTE: Successful Pickering, Payne, and Rangel Foreign Affairs Fellowship applicants are obligated to complete a minimum term of service in an appointment as a Foreign Service officer. The service obligation DOES NOT apply to Summer Enrichment program participants. See more details about each program below.

CONTACT US: To learn more about the Pickering and Rangel Foreign Service programs write to us at scholarships@umd.edu

FOR SENIORS, JUNIORS, SOPHOMORES, AND ADVANCED FRESHMEN:

RANGEL INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

Description: The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program is designed to provide students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. The Program encourages the involvement of African American and other minority group students. Students who take part in the Program are referred to as Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Scholars (Rangel Scholars). This program takes place at Howard University in Washington DC for six weeks beginning in mid-June. It includes academic courses and additional seminars and visits to give students exposure to key policymakers and practitioners of international affairs.

Academics: During this program, students receive intensive instruction in three courses: Political Economy, History of U.S. Foreign Relations and Writing. Nine semester hours of academic credit may be awarded.

Outside Activities: To enhance their understanding of the conduct of U.S. foreign policy and international career options, Program participants meet with Executive Branch policymakers, Members of Congress, representatives of non-governmental organizations, foreign government officials and other individuals involved in international relations. In recent years, participants have visited the State Department, Capitol Hill, the Central Intelligence Agency, the World Bank, the United Nations, the Pentagon and the National Foreign Affairs Training Center. Award Amount: Students who are accepted receive tuition, travel, room and board, as well as a $3,200 stipend for the program.

Application Deadline: Deadlines: February 3, 2016

FOR JUNIORS:

PICKERING UNDERGRADUATE FOREIGN AFFAIRS FELLOWSHIP

Description: The Pickering Undergraduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship program was created by the US 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. Each successful candidate is obligated to a minimum of five years of service in an appointment as a Foreign Service officer.

Application Deadline: January 15, 2016

FOR GRADUATING SENIORS AND RECENT GRADUATES:

PAYNE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP

The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program seeks to attract outstanding young people who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). If you want to work on the front lines of some of the most pressing global challenges of our times — poverty, hunger, injustice, disease, environmental degradation, climate change, conflict and violent extremism – the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development provides an opportunity to advance U.S. foreign policy interests and reflect the American people's compassion and support of human dignity. The Payne Fellowship, which provides up to $90,000 in benefits over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities, provides a unique pathway to the USAID Foreign Service.

Application Deadline: January 19, 2016

PICKERING GRADUATE FOREIGN AFFAIRS FELLOWSHIP

Description: The Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship program provides funding to outstanding students who are planning to enter the United States Department of State Foreign Service.  The Pickering Fellowship provides financial support to for two-year master's degree programs in public policy, international affairs, public administration, or academic fields such as business, economics, political science, sociology, or foreign languages. The program also provides State Department mentoring and internship opportunities. Each successful candidate is obligated to a minimum of five years of service in an appointment as a Foreign Service officer.

Application Deadline: January 15, 2016

RANGEL INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP

Who Can Apply: US Citizens – Graduating Seniors, Recent Graduates – GPA of 3.2 or higher required – All Majors – Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply.

Description: The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship Program seeks to attract and educate outstanding young people who desire a career in the Foreign Service. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, these Fellowships prepare students to enter exciting and rewarding careers in public service as Foreign Service Officers. The Rangel Program encourages the involvement of members of minority groups and those with financial need. In this manner, it advances the goal of creating an excellent and diverse U.S. Foreign Service that represents the rich range of talents and expertise of the American people. Each Rangel Fellow who obtains a master’s degree is committed to a minimum of five years of service in an appointment as a Foreign Service Officer.

Application Deadline: January 13, 2016