The Rangel Program is managed by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University and funded by the U.S. Department of State. It seeks to promote excellence and diversity in the U.S. Foreign Service. The Rangel Program seeks applicants who are interested in promoting positive change in the world as Foreign Service Officers for the U.S. Department of State. The fellowship is open to undergraduate seniors and graduates who want to begin two-year master’s programs.
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 (such as public administration, public policy, business administration, foreign languages, economics, political science, or communications) at a graduate or professional school approved by the Rangel Program.
Focus- the Rangel Program offers twenty graduate fellowships to seniors and graduates who want to join the Foreign Service. These fellowships help finance two-year graduate programs, provide paid internships and other professional development activities, and facilitate entry into the Foreign Service.
Eligibility- U.S. citizenship, plans to enter graduate school in subsequent fall semester, and a minimum 3.2 GPA. Applicants must be in the senior year of their undergraduate study or have completed their undergraduate degree and must be seeking admission to enter graduate school in the upcoming fall semester for a two-year program at a U.S. university.
Submission- A personal statement, a statement from the applicant that discusses his/her need for financial assistance to attend graduate school, two letters of recommendation, proof of U.S. citizenship, an uploaded Student Aid Report (SAR) generated from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form , an uploaded official copy of GRE of GMAT Scores , an uploaded official Financial Aid Statement from senior year only if applicant received financial aid, official transcripts from all colleges and universities the applicant has attended for credit must be sent in a sealed, signed university envelope either by applicant or sent directly by the university to the Rangel Program.
Criteria- The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service. A candidate's community, academic, extracurricular, and leadership activities will be considered during the selection process. Consideration will be given to qualified applicants who, in addition to outstanding leadership skills and academic achievement demonstrate financial need.
Benefits-The program will select twenty Rangel Fellows who will receive up to $70,000 in benefits over two years to fund tuition, mandatory fees, and living expenses for completion of two-year master’s degrees. Those who successfully complete the program will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers upon graduation. Each Rangel Fellow who obtains a master's degree is committed to a minimum of three years of service as a Foreign Service Officer.
DEADLINE- January