Pickering Overview | Inter/National Fellowships

What is the Pickering Fellowship?

National Deadline:

September 21, 2023 at 11:59 PM

Contact the Office of Fellowships for support at least one month before this deadline.

The Pickering Program typically awards 45 fellowships of up to $42,000 annually for a two-year period, during which a fellow will complete a master’s degree in international affairs in preparation for a career in the U.S. Foreign Service.

In addition to graduate school funding, fellows participate in an orientation at Howard University to familiarize fellows with all elements of the fellowship and enhance their understanding of Foreign Service Careers during the summer following their undergraduate graduation. Fellows participate in two internships – one at the U.S. Department of State headquarters in Washington, DC (during the summer between year one and two of graduate school) and the other at an oversees placement in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate (during the summer following graduate school graduation). During the course of the fellowship, fellows receive mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer.

Upon successfully completing the Pickering Program and Foreign Service entry requirements, fellows will receive appointments in the State Department Foreign Service. Fellows must commit to a minimum of five years of service within the Foreign Service.

Special Note: applicants for the Pickering Fellowship are encouraged to apply for the Rangel Fellowship. Both fellowships have the same requirments, but different funding sources.

Award Details

Who is eligible?

To be eligible to apply, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a U.S. citizen by the national deadline for application.
Have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
Seek admission to a two-year, full-time, on-campus, master’s degree program at a U.S.-based graduate institution to begin in the fall of 2023 in an academic field relevant to the work of the Foreign Service (public policy, international affairs, public administration, business, economics, political science, management science, organizational development/leadership, sociology, or regional studies).

Additional information to consider:

The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program is a U.S. Department of State program administered by Howard University that seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people, who represent ethnic, gender, social, and geographic diversity and have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State. The Program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need.

Does this application require endorsement by the college?

No. You will apply directly to the Pickering program without seeking endorsement by the college. However, the Office of Fellowships will still offer essay feedback on your application. Even though you do not need to be endorsed, our office still strongly encourages to work with our staff as you complete your application.

How much funding is awarded and how can I use it?

Fellows are awarded up to $42,000 annually for a two-year period for tuition, room, board, books, and mandatory fees for completion of two-year master’s degrees. This includes up to $24,000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees and an academic year stipend of $18,000. The fellowship can be used to attend graduate programs throughout the United States.

What is the Pickering Fellowship history and mission?

The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship is named in honor of American diplomat, Thomas Pickering. Over a career that spanned four decades, Pickering served as ambassador to the United Nations, the Russian Federation, India, Israel, and Jordan.

The Pickering Graduate Fellowship is a U.S. Department of State program administered by Howard University that seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people, based on financial need, who represent ethnic, gender, social, and geographic diversity and have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State. The Program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need.

A woman writing on paper in front of a computer

How do I apply and what do I need?

While institutional endorsement is not required, we enthusiastically encourage seniors and alums to apply with support from the Office of Fellowships! You should review the step-by-step guide that may be helpful as you craft your application.

Learn More

Information for Recommendations

Recommendations for Pickering are two-fold. First, recommenders are asked to rank the applicant in the following areas: interpersonal skills; oral communication skills; writing skills; initiative; organizational skills; and analytical abilities. Next, recommenders are asked to provide a concise narrative or letter addressing the applicant’s strengths, especially related to characteristics/skills in the guidelines for recommendations. While the rankings you are asked to provide are important, Pickering would also like you to consider the applicant’s interest in public service, integrity, resourcefulness, and composure. You can review the information that Pickering asks you to complete, but note that you will receive an email to submit your recommendation electronically.

Format and submission: Letters have no word limit but should not exceed two pages (12-point font). You will receive an email directing you to submit your recommendation electronically.

Have questions? Please contact us.

Christine Overstreet, Director of Fellowships
212 Converse Hall
413-542-2536
coverstreet@amherst.edu

Physical address: 100 Boltwood Avenue, Amherst, MA 01002

Mailing Address: AC #2214, PO Box 5000, Amherst, MA 01002

Office of Fellowships Pickering Overview

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