Fellowships and Grants

Pickering Graduate Fellowship

 

National deadline:  January 21, 2013 for online application
                                January 28, 2013 for supporting materials

Eligibility requirements:

  • United States citizens
  • Minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
  • At the time of application, candidates must be seeking admission to graduate school for the following academic year. Winners are expected to enroll in a two-year, full-time master's degree program in either public policy, international affairs or public administration, or in an academic field such as business, economics, political science, sociology or foreign languages (U.S. graduate institutions only).
  • grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale must be maintained throughout participation in the program.

Award summary and conditions:  The Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship program provides funding to participants as they are prepared academically and professionally to enter the United States 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.  The goal of the fellowship program is to attract outstanding students who enroll in two-year master's degree programs in public policy, international affairs, public administration, or academic fields such as business, economics, political science, sociology, or foreign languages, who represent all ethnic, racial and social backgrounds and who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State. The program develops a source of trained men and women who will represent the skill needs of the Department and who are dedicated to representing America's interests abroad. The Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation.

Program components:

  • In 2013, financial support of up to $40,000 annually for actual expenses during the first and second years of graduate school. This funding is to help cover tuition costs first then room and board, books, laboratory fees, and one round trip ticket per academic year between the Fellow’s residence and the academic institution, pending availability of funds.
  • Internships:  Graduate-level Fellows receive stipends during participation in one domestic summer internship between the first and second year of graduate school, and one summer overseas internship following the second year of graduate school.
  • Mentoring:  Guidance from a Foreign Service officer is provided during graduate school.
  • Testing:  Fellows must meet Department of State Foreign Service entry requirements and take both the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) and the Foreign Service Oral Assessment (FSOA) at least once prior to the completion of the academic requirements of the Fellowship.
  • Contractual Agreement:  Each successful candidate is obligated to a minimum of three years’ service in an appointment as a Foreign Service officer. Candidates who do not successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements may be subject to a reimbursement obligation to the Department of State.
  • Application materials:  A completed application for the Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship includes:
  • The online application form.  This requires secure registration at the Woodrow Wilson Foundation website and email addresses for two recommenders.  Your recommenders will be required to submit their recommendations using an online form that also includes a rubric.
  • Hard copies of the following supporting documents:
    • Certification of U.S. citizenship:  copy of U.S. passport, birth certificate, or U.S. citizen naturalization papers.
    • Copy of GRE or GMAT scores.  It is not necessary to have an official copy of your test scores sent to the Woodrow Wilson Foundation.  Photocopies of your online notification will be accepted.
    • Official academic transcripts from every undergraduate school attended.

In addition:

  • All applicants who receive(d) financial aid must also provide a copy of their most recent financial aid letter that lists grants or loans.  They must also provide a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR), which indicates the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) number.  The SAR is generated from the submission of the Free Applicaiton for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
  • Applicants who have not received financial aid do not need to provide the Student Aid Report (SAR).  These applicants must submit a brief statement indicating their funding source.
  • Send all supporting documents to:

                           Dr. Caryl Loney-McFarlane
                          Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program
                          The Woodrow Wilson National Affairs Fellowship Foundation
                          P.O. Box 2437
                          Princeton, NJ  08543-2437

Faxed documents will not be accepted

Internal interview:  No
National committee interview:  Yes

Selection process:  Consideration will be given to qualified applicants who, in addition to outstanding leadership skills and academic achievement, demonstrate financial need. The number of fellowships will be determined by available funding. National committee interview.

Faculty Representative:  Keith Raether

Contact information: http://www.woodrow.org/higher-education-fellowships/foreign_affairs/pickering_grad/index.php