THE 2025 PICKERING FOREIGN AFFAIRS APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN!
The Pickering Fellowship is a premier U.S. Department of State initiative, aims to bring diverse talent into the Foreign Service. The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
September 26, 2024, AT 11:59 PM EST
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program seeks individuals committed to promoting positive change in the world as U.S. diplomats in the Foreign Service. Selected fellows will receive support for graduate school, internships, and professional development. The Fellowship provides a pathway to a uniquely rewarding career as a Foreign Service Officer representing the United States of America. Applicants must be college seniors or graduates. Applicants can come from any academic discipline and must be seeking entry into graduate school in fall 2025.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
- Support of up to $42,000 per year for a two-year period for tuition, room, board, books, and mandatory fees for completion of two-year master’s degree in fields related to the Foreign Service such as business, economics, management science, organizational development/leadership, public policy, and international relations at a U.S.-based institution.
- An orientation to the Fellowship and the Foreign Service in Washington, D.C.
- Two summer internships, one at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. and one overseas at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Mentoring from Foreign Service Officers throughout the Fellowship.
- Employment in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service, in accordance with applicable law and U.S. Department of State policy, for those who successfully complete the Fellowship and meet Foreign Service entry requirements. Fellows must commit to a minimum of five years of service.
ELIGIBILITY
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must be seeking admission to a two-year, fulltime, on-campus, master’s degree program at a U.S.-based graduate institution to begin in the fall of 2025 in an academic field relevant to the work of the Foreign Service.
- Must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
ABOUT THE FOREIGN SERVICE
Foreign Service Officers in the U.S. Department of State play a crucial role in formulating, implementing, and supporting U.S. foreign policy. Their responsibilities include analyzing global political and economic events, negotiating with foreign governments, assisting U.S. citizens abroad, educating foreign audiences about American culture and values, and managing embassy operations. They address key issues such as conflict resolution, human rights, environmental and health concerns, nuclear nonproliferation, and educational exchange. This demanding yet rewarding career involves working in Washington, D.C., and over 270 diplomatic posts worldwide, where officers directly impact lives, witness history, and shape U.S. policy.
STAY CONNECTED WITH PICKERING!
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