The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship

Rangel Fellowship: At a Glance

Eligibility:

• Intent to enter a two-year graduate program in the fall of 2023 at a U.S. university
• Fourth-year students and college graduates
• Minimum GPA: 3.2
• U.S. citizens

Selection Criteria:

• 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 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 the 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 Program aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State in which they can help formulate, represent, and implement U.S. foreign policy. The Rangel 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. 

The Rangel Program encourages the application of members of minority 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 for 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. 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. 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 enter graduate school in the fall of 2023 for a two-year program at a U.S. university in an area of relevance to the Foreign Service.
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.2.

Application Process

A complete application includes the following:

• Background information
• A personal statement (600 words)
• A statement of financial need (400 words)
• Two letters of recommendation
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Student Aid Report 
• GRE or GMAT Scores (optional)
• Official Financial Aid Statement from senior year, if financial aid was received
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended for credit

Preparing a Competitive Application: The program seeks individuals who show clear interest in a Foreign Service career with the U.S. Department of State, along with a strong academic background, a commitment to service, leadership skills, financial need for graduate school, diverse interests in areas such as international affairs and government, cultural sensitivity, writing skills, and an ability to overcome obstacles. A good application shows an applicant's unique motivations, experiences, accomplishments, and career goals.

See application tips here. In addition, you are strongly encouraged to attend virtual sessions throughout August 2022, such as How to Approach the Written Statements and Working With Recommenders.

UChicago Support: First, please email Sandra Zupan to seek general assistance with your application. Next, once you fully develop and write your essays set up a meeting with Sandra at least two weeks before the application deadline.  During the meeting you will obtain detailed feedback and suggestions for further revisions.