WASHINGTON – Howard University is currently working closely with the U.S. Department of State to recruit fellows for the expanded 2021 cohorts of the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship and the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship, with application deadlines of October 14 and October 21 respectively.   

Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo recently announced that the U.S. Department of State would expand these two premier diversity fellowship programs by 50 percent for a total of 90 Fellows per year. He stated that the two programs “consistently attract highly talented and qualified candidates who represent ethnic, racial, gender, social, and geographic diversity to the Foreign Service.” Howard University has administered the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program through a cooperative agreement with State Department since 2002, supporting 374 fellows and 346 undergraduate scholars. Howard has also administered the Thomas R. Pickering Program since May 2018, training 60 fellows.  

“We are thrilled by the Department of State’s decision to increase dramatically the number of Pickering and Rangel fellowships.  It will create significant opportunities for outstanding young people who want to promote positive change in the world,” says Anthony Wutoh, Ph.D., Rh., provost and chief academic officer for Howard University. “Howard University is honored to work with the Department of State to create these opportunities through our cooperative agreement. These programs advance the university’s mission to develop scholars and professionals who drive change and help find solutions to contemporary global problems, particularly from diverse perspectives.”   

“My career in the Foreign Service was very rewarding.  I strongly encourage Howard students and alumni to apply for this opportunity. Rangel and Pickering Fellows, including Howard alumni, are serving with distinction in countries around the world,” said Larry. L. Palmer, Ph.D., ambassador in residence in the Office of the Provost at Howard University. 

Interested in Applying? 

Those interested in these fellowships can find information about them rangelprogram.org and pickeringfellowship.org. The programs are open to applicants nationwide with any major or discipline, and the application of members of minority groups, historically underrepresented in the U.S. State Department, women, and those with financial need are encouraged to apply. The fellowships provide up to $84,000 in funding for graduate school, internships, mentorship, and professional development; and lead to careers in the Foreign Service for those who successfully complete the program and U.S. Department of State entry requirements.   

 # # # 

About the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University 

The Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center's mission is to serve as the hub and catalyst for enhancing international engagement for the benefit of the HU community. In doing so, the Center integrates global perspectives into the HU experience, promotes education abroad, facilitates deeper scholarship on global issues, supports cross-cultural dialogue and respect for cultural diversity, and prepares leaders who can find solutions to global problems. For more information about the Center and other international opportunities offered at Howard University visit global.howard.edu. 

About Howard University 

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit howard.edu 

Media Contact: Imani Pope-Johns, imani.popejohns@howard.edu