Deadline: January 16, 2024
Applications are open for the Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship 2024. As one of several high-profile U.S. Department of State diversity recruitment programs, the Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship seeks to attract top technology talent to the Foreign Service that reflects the diversity of the United States.
Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in their diplomatic efforts, the FAIT Fellowship program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, gender, and geographic diversity. Women, members of minority groups underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and those with financial need, are encouraged to apply.
The program is designed for highly talented individuals who want to pursue an IT-related undergraduate or graduate degree (such as computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, computer engineering, IT services administration, and computer systems networking and more), and a career in the Foreign Service.
Benefits
The two-year fellowship program provides:
- Up to $43,500 annually (for two years) in academic funding for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expense.
- Stipends, housing and travel allowances for the two summer internships: A domestic internship in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. Department of State and an overseas internship at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the program.
Eligibility
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time IT-related degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution.
- For the undergraduate fellowship:
- Community college students in an associate degree program must be seeking admission to enter a full-time, IT-related bachelor’s degree program in fall 2024 AND on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters.
- Four-year college/university students must be enrolled full-time in an IT-related bachelor’s degree program AND on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters starting in fall 2024.
- Students enrolled in an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s IT-related degree program must be on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters starting in fall 2024.
- For the graduate fellowship:
- Individuals must be seeking admission to enter a full-time, IT-related master’s degree in fall 2024 AND be on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters.
- Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA throughout the program.
As a selected FAIT Fellow, you must:
- Obtain and maintain security clearances and suitability requirements and meet minimum medical qualification standards.
- Agree to a five-year commitment with the Foreign Service upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.
Application
Your application must include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship: U.S. passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers
- Transcripts You will need to submit an unofficial copy of transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended for two or more semesters
- Personal Statement: Explain why you want to pursue a career in the Foreign Service (750 words max.):
- Highlight your motivations, as well as your background, experiences and skills that will help you succeed.
- Read the article Tips for Writing an Impactful Personal Statement
- Resume: Maximum two-page resume that highlights your leadership skills
- Most Recent Financial Aid Award Letter: If you received financial aid during the most recent academic year, you are required to submit a Financial Aid Letter listing grants or loans
- Most Recent Student Aid Report
- If you received financial aid during the most recent academic year, you are required to submit your SAR form.
- If you did not receive financial aid during the most recent academic year, you must complete the FAFSA to generate an SAR.
- Statement of Financial Need: Use this as an opportunity to address any financial hardship or impactful adversity you may have experienced that affects your overall financial standing. You may also include:
- Assistance you received during your undergraduate studies
- Your overall education-related debt
- Your ability/plans to pay for graduate school and/or your junior and senior years of undergraduate (depending on whether you are applying for the Graduate or Undergraduate Fellowship).
- One Letter of Recommendation: Select recommenders who can explain why you are uniquely qualified for the fellowship.
- If you were enrolled in a degree-granting program within the last two years, the letter must be from a professor or faculty member who knows you.
- If you have been in an online program, you may select an individual who is familiar with your academics, professional work, or volunteer/community activities.
- If you are returning to graduate school after a couple of years, choose someone who is familiar with your academics, professional work, or volunteer/community activities.
For more information, visit FAIT Fellowship.
