The 2017 Charles B. Rangel Fellowship program is now open for applications and is seeking young people interested in making a difference in the world as Foreign Service Officers in the U.S. Department of State.  Applicants must be college seniors or graduates planning to start two-year graduate programs in fall 2017;  must have GPAs of at least 3.2; and must be U.S. citizens.  The Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program provides benefits of up to $95,000 over two years toward a master’s degree, arranges internships on Capitol Hill and at U.S. embassies/consulates, provides mentorship and professional development support, and leads to a career in the State Department Foreign Service.

The application deadline is September 19, 2016, several months earlier than in prior years.

Fellows must use the fellowship to attend two-year master’s programs at U.S.- based institutions to study an area of relevance to the Foreign Service, including international relations, public policy, public administration, economics, or business administration. (Yes, SIPA counts!) Upon successful completion of the two-year fellowship and Foreign Service entry requirements, Fellows join the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State, embarking on a uniquely rewarding career of international service. There is a five-year service obligation.

The program welcomes any undergraduate major and encourages applications from members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need. Information and application materials can be found at www.rangelprogram.org. The application deadline is September 19, 2016. The Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Howard University.