Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship
Website: Foreign Affairs Information Technology (IT) Fellowship Program
Description
As one of several high-profile U.S. Department of State recruitment programs, the Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship seeks to attract top technology talent to the Foreign Service.
A merit- and need-based program, the FAIT Fellowship encourages applications from individuals across the United States, including those with financial need. The program is designed for highly talented individuals who want to pursue an IT-related undergraduate or graduate degree (such as computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, computer engineering, IT services administration, and computer systems networking and more), and a career in the Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Technology Officer.
The two-year fellowship program provides:
- Up to $43,500 annually (for two years) in academic funding for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expense.
- 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 overseas internship at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the program.
Upon successful completion of the fellowship program and the State Department’s entry requirements, fellows receive an appointment in the Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Technology Officer. Fellows agree to a five-year commitment upon entry into the Foreign Service.
Eligibility
The Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship, designed as a two-year cohort model, offers both undergraduate and graduate fellowships. The application opens in September and close in January. Fellows selected for the cohort will begin their two-year fellowship in fall and complete the fellowship in summer.
To be eligible to apply, you must meet all the criteria below:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be enrolled full-time in an IT-related bachelor’s degree program or seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution
- Be on a timeline to graduate with your bachelor’s or master’s degree in spring
- Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA throughout the program
As a selected fellow, you will need to:
- Obtain and maintain security clearances and suitability requirements, and meet the minimum medical qualification standard.
- Agree to a five-year commitment with the Foreign Service upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements
- junior
- senior
- graduate
- US Citizen
Procedure
Get details and access the online application at https://www.faitfellowship.org/how-to-apply/.
Online application will include:
- Proof of US citizenship
- Transcript
- Personal Statement
- Resume
- Most recent financial aid award letter
- Statement of financial need
- One letter of recommendation
Service Agreement
Must agree to a five-year commitment as a Foreign Service Diplomatic Technology Officer upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s entry requirements.