Now more than ever, the US needs foreign service officers who reflect the diverse US population, and there are several scholarship programs that support underrepresented students considering that career path. The Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship is one of those programs, and is currently accepting applications. Please share with students you may know who have an interest in foreign service work:
Funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship Program provides undergraduate and graduate students with financial support, mentoring and professional development to prepare them academically and professionally for a career in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply. Applications are open now, due Jan. 13.
UW Applicant Advising & Info Session:
- The UW Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards will be hosting one more information session covering the Pickering Fellowship and other similar foreign service-oriented scholarship programs for undergraduate students & alumni on Tuesday, 11/29 at 4:30pm in MGH 171. RSVP to attend, though drop-ins are welcome.
- The Office of Merit Scholarships also provides advising and feedback on application drafts for undergraduate students & alumni in applying for the Pickering Fellowship and other scholarship programs. Students are encouraged to make an advising appointment to discuss developing strong applications. Visit our website to schedule an advising appointment, or contact us at scholarq@uw.edu or 206-543-4282.
Undergraduate Pickering Fellowships provide: Up to $37,500 annually for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expenses for the senior year of undergraduate studies, and first year of a master’s degree in fields related to the Foreign Service such as business administration, economics, public policy, international affairs, and other relevant fields. The program also provides 2 summer internships, mentoring, and employment in the Dept. of State Foreign Service after successful completion of the program and Foreign Service entry requirements.
Graduate Pickering Fellowships provide: Up to $37,500 annually for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expenses for a two-year master’s degree in fields related to the Foreign Service such as business administration, economics, public policy, international affairs, and other relevant fields. (Please note: current graduate students are not eligible. Applicants must intend to begin a new two-year, full-time master’s degree program after being awarded the fellowship.) The program also provides 2 summer internships, mentoring, and employment in the Dept. of State Foreign Service after successful completion of the program and Foreign Service entry requirements.
Basic eligibility requirements:
- At the time of application, applicants must be U.S. citizens,
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale,
- For the Undergraduate Fellowship: expecting to receive a bachelor’s degree in Spring 2018 and seeking admission to a US graduate school beginning in Fall 2018 OR
- For the Graduate Fellowship: seeking admission into a U.S. master’s degree program beginning Fall 2017.
Fellowship Service Obligation:
“Becoming a Pickering Fellow means that you are committed to pursuing a two year master’s degree program in a field related to the Department of State’s Foreign Service, becoming a U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Officer and representing your country and its interests abroad and at home…there are strict Foreign Service entry requirements including security, medical and suitability requirements which must be fulfilled and maintained to remain in the program. Also, there is a minimum five year service commitment in the Department of State’s Foreign Service. The five year service commitment begins upon entry into the Foreign Service.” Read complete details about the service obligation at http://www.twc.edu/thomas-r-pickering-foreign-affairs-fellowship-program/fellowship-recipient-obligations.