The FAIT_Brochure_FA19 Digital Print Ready funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by The Washington Center offers financial assistance for talented, diverse students pursuing undergrad or graduate IT-related degrees.

The fellowship offers academic funding for the undergrad junior and senior years, or for a two-year master’s degree program. Plus, Fellows get two valuable internship experiences (one in Washington, D.C. and one abroad) and personalized mentoring. After successfully completing the program and passing the U.S. Department of State’s requirements, Fellows get an appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist for five years minimum. The U.S. Department of State is seeking to attract top tech talent to the Foreign Service that reflects the diversity of the United States. Women, members of minority groups underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need, are encouraged to apply to this challenging and rewarding program.

This year, the U.S. Department of State will also be considering applicants from online degree programs and community college students transferring to a 4-year program.

Below is a synopsis of the benefits of the program:

● Academic funding (up to $37,500 annually for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expense, for the junior and senior years of undergraduate study, OR a two-year master’s degree program in an IT-related field.
● Stipends, housing and travel allowances for the two summer internships: A domestic internship in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Department of State; An International internship at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
● Personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the program.
● An appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist for at least five years upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.

To be eligible for consideration for the 2020 cohort, students must:
● Be a U.S. citizen enrolled in an undergraduate program relevant to IT (online degrees and community college students are eligible to apply)
o Entering the junior year in the fall 2020 or
o Entering an IT-related master’s degree program beginning in the fall of 2020
● Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA through participation in the program.
● Be able to pass medical and security clearances and suitability requirements.
● Be prepared to enter the Foreign Service (a five-year commitment) in fall of 2022.