Thomas R. Pickering Undergraduate Fellowship Program

Funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship Program provides undergraduate and graduate students with financial support, mentoring and professional development to prepare them academically and professionally for a career in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need are encouraged to apply.

Undergraduate candidates receive 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. The fellowship program also includes:

• 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
• Orientation to the Program and the Foreign Service at the Department of State.
• Mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer throughout the duration of the fellowship.
• Employment in the Department of State Foreign Service for those who successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements

Students interested in applying should contact the Center.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens at the time of application.
• Applicants must be in their junior year of undergraduate study enrolled in an academic program relevant to the work of the U.S. Department of State in fields such as international affairs, foreign languages, communications, history, political and economic analysis, administration, management, or science policy
• Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher which must be maintained throughout the program.
• Applicants must send the WWNFF a copy of their most recent financial aid letter that lists grants or loans, and provide a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR), which indicates the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) number.

Application Process

Deadline: Application: January 12, 2018

1. Fill out online application form

2. Submit supplemental forms

3. Provide letters of recommendation

2018 Pickering Fellowship Timeline

Pickering Application Deadline: January 12, 2018

Pickering Selection Interviews: April 2018

Notification of Selection as a Fellow: April 2018

Deadline for Accepting Fellowship Offer: April 2018

Orientation for 2018 Pickering Fellows: June 2018

Begin first Pickering-funded year of school: August 2018