The Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship in USA

Country: USA Value: $37,500.00 Deadline: Feb. 1, 2022 Category: Undergraduate & Graduate

The Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship in USA: 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.

If you want to use your technical skills to make a difference, see the world and experience different cultures, then the Foreign Relations IT Scholarship (FAIT) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This two-year scholarship program funded by the US State Department provides academic funding for IT-related degrees, internships, professional development, and mentoring, and ultimately serves as an information manager in a foreign country.

If you are seeking an IT-related degree, the Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) scholarship can combine your passion for technology and love of travel into a meaningful career.

As an IT Researcher in Foreign Affairs, you will receive academic funding, two paid summer internships at the US Department of State, Mentoring, and Professional Development. Upon successful completion of the State Department plan and requirements, you will be appointed an information management expert from the U.S. Department of Foreign Affairs.

Encouraging Applications from Underrepresented Minorities - This includes, but is not limited to, racial, ethnic, geographic and gender minorities, as well as groups in financial need.

Application Criteria for The Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship in USA

The Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship program is designed as a two-year cohort model, with the application window for each cohort opening in the fall and closing in February the following year.

Applications for the 2022 cohort will be accepted starting in fall 2021. We’ll update the timeline when the date is finalized). To be eligible to apply for the 2022 cohort, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen;
Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program relevant to Information Technology at a U.S.-based accredited institution and entering your junior year in fall 2022, OR
Be seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution beginning in fall 2022;
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 obtain and maintain medical and security clearances and suitability requirements;
Agree to a minimum five-year commitment with the Foreign Service upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.

Minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department are encouraged to apply: this includes but is not limited to racial, ethnic, geographic, and gender minorities, as well as those with financial need.

Benefits

Foreign Affairs IT Fellows will receive:

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.
Personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the program.
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 international internship at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.
An appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements. Fellows agree to a minimum five-year commitment upon entry into the Foreign Service.

How to Apply for Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship:

PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP

U.S. passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers

TRANSCRIPT

An unofficial copy for all schools attended

GRE/GMAT SCORES (for graduate students)

Submit your GRE/GMAT scores only if they are required to apply for your intended graduate program(s)

A 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

RESUMÉ

Maximum two-page resume that highlights your leadership skills (read this article for tips)

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 (SAR)

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.