The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship

Rangel Fellowship: At a Glance

Eligibility:

• U.S. citizens
• Fourth-year students and college graduates
• Minimum GPA: 3.2

Selection Criteria:

• Intent to enter a two-year graduate program at a U.S. university
• Clear interest in a Foreign Service career with the U.S. Department of State
• Strong academic background
• Commitment to service
• Leadership skills
• Financial need for graduate school
• Geographic, ethnic, gender, and/or social diversity
• Cultural sensitivity
• Writing skills
• Ability to overcome obstacles

Candidates for the Pickering Fellowship can affirm the following statements:

• I have a strong commitment to a Foreign Service career.
• I can demonstrate extracurricular, community, volunteer, or leadership experiences that would help me succeed in the Foreign Service.
• I possess adequate academic preparation for my chosen graduate program.
• I can demonstrate the need for financial assistance to attend graduate school.

Extensive Description

What is the Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program? The Rangel Program aims to attract and prepare outstanding candidates for careers in the Foreign Service at the U.S. Department of State, in which they can help formulate, represent, and implement U.S. foreign policy. Rangel Fellows are selected annually in a highly competitive nationwide process and are supported through two years of graduate study, internships, mentoring, and professional development activities. 

The Rangel Program encourages applications from members of groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. The Program welcomes applications from individuals with any undergraduate major. 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.

Fellowship Benefits: In 2023, the Rangel Program plans to award 45 fellowships of up to $42,000 annually for a two year period to cover tuition, room, board, books, and mandatory fees for completion of a two-year master’s degree. This includes up to $24,000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees and an academic year stipend of $18,000. 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 school that is approved by the Rangel Program. Studies in law do not satisfy this requirement. 

Internships and Mentoring: Rangel Fellows will participate in two internships as part of the program. The first, an internship working on international issues for members of Congress in Washington, D.C., will occur in the summer before the first year of graduate study. The second will be an overseas internship in a U. S. Embassy or Consulate during the summer between the first and second years of graduate study. The Program provides support of up to $10,000 per summer. In addition, each fellow receives mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer throughout the duration of the fellowship.

Responsibilities

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

Service: Each Rangel Fellow who obtains a master’s degree commits to a minimum of five years of service. The five-year service commitment begins upon entry into the Foreign Service. Candidates who do not successfully complete the Rangel Program and the subsequent five-year service obligation may be subject to a reimbursement obligation. See more information here.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a US citizen.
• Seek admission to a two-year graduate degree program at a U.S. university in an area of relevance to the Foreign Service.
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.2.