The Institute for International Public Policy (IIPP) Fellowship Program is a program of the UNCF Special Programs Corporation that is now in its 16th year. The Institute seeks to enhance U.S. national security and global competitiveness by promoting excellence, international service, and awareness among a representative cross-section of the American citizenry. The IIPP also seeks to broaden access to international education and training opportunities for underrepresented minority college students.

The IIPP Fellowship Program provides students from underrepresented minority groups with education and training experiences critical to entry and advancement in international affairs careers. IIPP is a comprehensive program of summer policy institutes, study abroad, intensive language training, internships, graduate study, and student services that include mentoring and career development. Additionally, IIPP provides students with the education and training necessary to successfully enter, advance, and provide leadership in international affairs careers.

IIPP Fellowship Components:

• Sophomore Summer Policy Institute
• Junior Year Study Abroad
• Junior Summer Policy Institute
• Summer Language Institute
• International Internship
• Graduate Degree Program in International Affairs/International Relations

Eligibility Requirements

The IIPP welcomes applications from undergraduate sophomores who:
• Are enrolled full-time at an accredited, four–year baccalaureate-granting institution.
• Are U.S. Citizens or legal residents (documentary support required).
• Have a minimum 3.2 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale).
• Have a strong demonstrated interest in international affairs.
• Are an underrepresented minority (African American, Hispanic/Latino American, Asian American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander).
• Plan to seek admission to a graduate degree program in international affairs.

Students from underrepresented minority groups, especially those from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Other Minority Serving Institutions (OMIs) are particularly encouraged to apply. Though not a requirement, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete at least one of the following courses before starting the IIPP Fellowship: international affairs, foreign policy, a foreign language, political science, sociology, macro/micro-economics, statistics and/or journalism.

IIPP Fellowship Funding Package

The IIPP Fellowship funding package includes the following:

• Sophomore and Junior Policy Institutes: housing and meals in university facilities; books and materials; field trips and excursions; a stipend; and travel from home or school.

• Junior Year Study Abroad: one-half of program costs and personal expenses for one semester of overseas study during a Fellow’s junior year, with the expectation that her/his school will supply the other half through financial aid or scholarships and a reasonable family contribution.

• Summer Language Institute: tuition and fees; room and board; books and materials; travel to and from SLI; a stipend.

• IIPP Internship: depending on whether the internship is domestic or international, IIPP may provide travel costs and a stipend.

• Graduate School: $15,000 in matching scholarship funds, provided the Fellow has completed each IIPP program component and will pursue a graduate degree in International Affairs at an Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) – accredited program, or other program approved by UNCFSP.

How College Sophomores Apply

1. Visit www.uncfsp.org/IIPP and follow the link “APPLY ONLINE.” Please refer to the complete online application guidelines.

2. Complete all sections of the online application, including:
a) Brief statement of your career interests.
b) Essay # 1 (Personal Statement) – Maximum 500-word statement that tells us about yourself and why you should be selected as an IIPP Fellow.
c) Essay # 2 (Issue Analysis) – Maximum 750-word essay that explains why a current international issue is important to you and what you would do to address it if in a position to do so.
d) Work/Volunteer experience
e) Two online recommendations

3. Mail hard-copy supporting documents including official college transcripts, College or University Nomination Form, Financial Aid award letter and/or Student Aid Report. These items must be postmarked by the March 15th application deadline.

4. Application Deadline: March 15th. Applications from college sophomores are not considered complete until all documents have been received. Late applications, including those hard-copy supporting documents postmarked after the March 15th deadline, may not be reviewed by the selection committee. Decisions will be mailed no later than May 1st.

Email the IIPP staff with comments or questions at [email protected].