Rangel International Affairs Programs
The Rangel Program is a collaborative effort between Howard University and the U.S. State Department that seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers as diplomats in the Foreign Service. The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need.
The Fellowship provides benefits of up to $42,000 annually toward a two-year master's degree, arranges internships on Capitol Hill and at U.S. embassies, and provides mentoring and professional development support for individuals wishing to become Foreign Service Officers in the U.S. Department of State (DOS). Fellows may use the fellowship to attend any good two-year master's program in a U.S. institution to study an area of relevance to the Foreign Service, including international relations, public policy, public administration, languages, or business administration. At the end of the two-year fellowship, Fellows enter the Foreign Service, as long as they meet program and DOS entry requirements.
The Summer Enrichment Program is a six-week summer program designed to provide undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. The Program usually selects 15-20 participants (known as "Rangel Scholars") each year from universities throughout the United States. Students live at Howard University, attend classes, and participate in a variety of programs with foreign affairs professionals at Howard and at diverse locations around Washington, DC. The Program covers the costs for tuition, travel, housing, and two meals per day. It also provides a stipend of $3,300.
Fellowship:
- Applicants must be US citizens.
- Applicants are graduating seniors or alumni.
- At the time of application, candidates must be seeking admission to graduate school for the following academic year.
- Applicants are eager to embark on an international career path and want to enter the US Department of State Foreign Service.
- Applicants have at least a 3.2 GPA.
Key characteristics sought by the review committee include a commitment to public service; an interest in making a difference in the world; international experience (outside or within the U.S.); academic strength; responsibility and good judgment; willingness to live overseas and be worldwide available; and demonstrated financial need.
Summer Program:
- Applicants must be US citizens.
- Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students, with at least sophomore status on the date of the application deadline.
- Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
Fellowship applications are submitted online and include:
- Personal background information
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of financial need
- Financial aid award letter from final year of undergraduate study
- FAFSA report for prior school year
- Proof of US citizenship
- Transcripts
- GRE or GMAT scores optional for Fellowship application
- Summer Enrichment Program Applications must include proof of full time registration for the spring semester prior to summer of participation
- SAR, Financial need statements, nor GRE/GMAT required for the Summer Enrichment Program
- University of Idaho Deadline: not applicable
- Foundation Deadline:
- Graduate Fellowship: September (see foundation website for exact date)
- Summer Enrichment Program: February (see foundation website for exact date)
The application for the fellowship typically opens in June/July. A panel of individuals with experience in the U.S. Foreign Service and academia makes selections for the Rangel Program. The Rangel selection panel will choose approximately 60 finalists and will communicate decisions by email to both successful and unsuccessful applicants. Candidates selected for final consideration will be invited to Washington, D.C. for interviews (from continental U.S. points only) and to prepare a writing sample. Finalists will be in D.C. for one full day in November. The program will pay the cost of accommodations and travel to Washington, DC from within the continental United States, Hawaii and Alaska. The program will strive to complete the selection process and make offers to 30 fellows by late November.
Summer Enrichment Program applications are due by the foundation deadline. A panel of individuals with experience in foreign affairs and academia evaluates candidates' applications. The Rangel Programs will strive to complete the selection process and make offers by the end of March. Applicants will be notified of the results by email soon thereafter.