The Pickering Fellowship is one of the State Department’s premier recruitment programs aimed at increasing diversity among U.S. Foreign Service officers. The Fellowship is designed to attract outstanding individuals from all ethnic, racial and social backgrounds who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career with the U.S. Department of State. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and students with financial need are encouraged to apply. Program highlights include:

• Undergraduate candidates (10 fellowships available): 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.
• Graduate candidates (20 fellowships available): 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.
• Two summer internships, one at a domestic office of the Department of State in Washington, D.C. and one overseas at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The program provides stipends, transportation and housing for these internships.
• Employment in the Department of State Foreign Service for those who successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements.

The application for the 2017 Pickering Fellowship is now live and can be accessed on our Pickering Fellowship page. Students are encouraged to survey this page to assess their eligibility and review expectations if selected. All applications for undergraduate and graduate fellowships must be received by January 13, 2017 in order to be considered.