Rangel Overview | Inter/National Fellowships

What is the Rangel Graduate Fellowship?

National Deadline:

September 28, 2023 at 11:59 PM

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

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship 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 working on international issues for members of Congress in Washington, DC (during the summer BEFORE your first year of graduate school) and the other at an oversees placement in a U.S. Embassy or Consulate (during the summer between your first and second year of graduate school). During the course of the fellowship, fellows receive mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer.

Upon successfully completing the Rangel 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 Rangel Fellowship are encouraged to apply for the Pickering 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 Rangel Graduate Fellowship Programis 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 Rangel 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.

The Rangel Program provides support of up to $10,000 per summer while a student completes their internship.

What is the Rangel Fellowship history and mission?

The U.S. Department of State manages and funds the Rangel International Affairs Program (the program that houses the Rangel Fellowship) as a means to increase excellence and diversity in the Foreign Service and promote interest in all aspects of State Department work, including the Civil Service and Foreign Service Specialists. The Rangel Graduate Fellowship specifically leads to a career as a generalist in the State Department Foreign Service.

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 Rangel 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, Rangel would also like you to consider the applicant’s interest in public service, integrity, resourcefulness, and composure. You can review the information that Rangel 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

Mailing address: Office of Fellowships, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002

On-Campus Mailing Address: AC # 2214

Office of Fellowships Rangel Overview