Overview
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program is a program funded by the U.S. Department of State, administered by Howard University, that attracts and prepares outstanding young people for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State. Â It welcomes the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with financial need. Â Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, social, and geographic diversity.
The Pickering Program has made, and continues to make, an important contribution to the diversity of the State Department Foreign Service. Fellows currently represent the United States in countries around the world, in areas as diverse as Africa, East Asia, Latin America, South Asia, Europe and Eurasia. They are promoting human rights, assisting American citizens overseas, enhancing prosperity and development, deepening ties between the United States and people around the world, and supporting U.S. global values and interests in many different ways.
About the U.S. Foreign Service
The U.S. Department of State is the official international relations arm of the President of the United States. Foreign Service Officers in the Department of State are responsible for formulating, implementing, and supporting U.S. foreign policy. Their work includes analyzing political and economic events; improving trade opportunities for U.S. businesses; conducting negotiations; implementing international agreements and treaties; issuing visas; assisting U.S. citizens abroad; educating foreign audiences about American culture and values; and managing an embassy’s operations. Foreign Service Officers are also engaged in foreign policy issues, such as conflict resolution, human rights and democracy, environmental and health issues, nuclear nonproliferation, world trade, and public diplomacy.
A Foreign Service career is much more than just a job; it is a uniquely demanding and rewarding way of life. Foreign Service Officers work in Washington, D.C. and in more than 250 diplomatic posts worldwide. As representatives of the United States government and people, Foreign Service Officers have a direct impact on people’s lives, witness history in the making, and help create and implement U.S. policy. They are challenged every day.
Eligibility
Benefits
The Pickering 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 two-year master’s degrees.  This includes up to $24,000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees and an academic year stipend of $18,000.
The fellowship also includes:
- Orientation at Howard University in early June.
- Mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer
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Two summer internships: U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. and Overseas at U.S. Embassies. Â The program provides additional support for summer travel, housing, and other related expenses.
Five-Year Service Requirements
Fellows who successfully complete the Pickering Program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments in the State Department Foreign Service in accordance with applicable law and State Department policy. Fellows are required to obtain and maintain medical, security, and suitability clearances in order to remain in the program.
Each Fellow who obtains a master’s degree is committed to a minimum of five years of service in the Foreign Service. Candidates who do not successfully complete the Pickering Program and the subsequent five-year service obligation may be subject to a reimbursement obligation.
Deadlines
Applications are due in late September annually. See Application Requirements for details.
Upcoming Events
Join Diplomat in Residence Amanda Johnson for an information session on the Pickering and Rangel Fellowship program on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 6:00 pm Central Time. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y9mo4964.
Experience Information
- Website
- pickeringfellowship.org