The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program

Promoting a positive U.S. presence in the world that reflects and respects the strength and diversity of America.

The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Howard University under a cooperative agreement. The program attracts and prepare outstanding young people for careers as diplomats in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The program seeks individuals interested in helping to shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing U.S. foreign policy. The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women and those with financial need.

There are two major components to the Rangel Program:

• The Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program that provides support for graduate school, professional development, mentoring, and entry into the U.S. Foreign Service, in accordance with applicable law and State Department policy.
• The Rangel Undergraduate International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program that provides undergraduates with the opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge, and understanding about U.S. foreign policy during a six-week summer program at Howard University.

GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State in which they can help formulate, represent, and implement U.S. foreign policy. The Rangel Program selects outstanding Rangel Fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide process and supports them through two years of graduate study, internships, mentoring, and professional development activities. This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Fellows who successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers, in accordance with applicable law and State Department policy, one of the most exciting and rewarding careers available.

Rangel Fellows are committed to serving their country and promoting positive change globally. Individuals who have successfully completed the Rangel Program are now making a difference in countries throughout the world, including Colombia, Mexico, Panama, South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, China, Korea, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, Germany, and Greece.

2025 Application Deadline: Thursday September 19, 2024 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Selection Process:

A panel of individuals with experience in the U.S. Foreign Service and academia makes selections for the Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program. A candidate's community, academic, extracurricular, and leadership activities will be considered during the selection process. Consideration will be given to qualified applicants who, in addition to outstanding leadership skills and academic achievement, demonstrate financial need.

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship selection panel will choose approximately 90 finalists. The Rangel Program staff will communicate decisions by email to both successful and unsuccessful applicants by November 1. Candidates selected for final consideration will participate in a virtual interview and a written exercise between November 11 - 14 2024.The program expects to award 45 fellowships on November 15, 2024.

SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program is a six-week summer program designed to provide undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. The program usually selects participants (known as "Rangel Scholars") each year from universities throughout the United States. This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Students live at Howard University, attend classes, and participate in a variety of programs with foreign affairs professionals at Howard and at diverse locations around Washington, D.C.

The Program has two major components. First, in order to enhance participants' academic preparation to work in international affairs, the program provides two courses and a seminar that focus on enhancing knowledge and skills related to U.S. foreign policy, economics, and writing. In addition, in order to provide greater insight into the foreign policy-making process and international affairs careers, the Rangel Program introduces the participants to a wide range of government and non-government professionals who work on global issues and also arranges visits to various institutions involved in international affairs. The program also helps students explore graduate school, scholarship, fellowship, internship, and professional options in international affairs.

The program covers the costs for tuition, travel, housing, and two meals per day. It also provides a stipend of $3,300. The program takes place from June 9 - July 18, 2025. 

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students, with at least sophomore status on the date of the application deadline.
• Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Application Deadline: Wednesday February 5, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

The program expects all applicants to submit documents electronically. Should applicants have insuperable problems submitting a document electronically, they can consult with program staff about alternate methods (rangelprogram@howard.edu). However, we strongly encourage you to submit documents electronically.