Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program

Size: 20 graduate school fellowships/year and 15-20 college undergraduates
Target: U.S. college students interested in working for the Foreign Service
Contact: www.rangelprogram.org or Howard University (202) 806-4367

This Program is a unique collaborative initiative involving the U.S. Department of State, the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center of Howard University, and the U.S. Congress that seeks to enhance the excellence and diversity of the U.S. Foreign Service. It attracts and educates outstanding young people, especially minorities, who have an interest in international affairs.

"The Foreign Service diplomatic corps is one of the best kept secrets in Washington, which used to be reserved for Blue-Bloods and Ivy Leaguers," said Congressman Rangel, who founded and secured federal funds for the program. "Now that the world is no longer centered in Europe, our nation can't afford to waste the talent and skills of people from every race, religion and ethnic background.  If America is going to deal effectively with Africa, Latin America, Asia and the rest of the world, our Foreign Service must not only represent America, it must look like America."

Key to the Program’s success is its commitment to diversity and excellence. According to Patricia Scroggs, Director of the Program and a former Foreign Service Officer, the Program makes a difference by contributing to a stronger Foreign Service and giving “outstanding young people a challenging career.” As she explained, “Through my experience, I became a true believer that diversity makes us stronger. We need people with different backgrounds and experiences around the policy table.” Jose Ochoa, Director of Masters in Public Policy Admissions and Programs, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, and member of the Rangel Fellowship Selection Committee, also feels that diversity in the Foreign Service is “critical in today’s global climate.” He believes that the Program “cultivates global leaders who reflect the diversity” of the US.

"Representing our country overseas as a Foreign Service Officer is one of the most exciting and distinguished careers I can think of," said Cong. Rangel who established the program with the goal of increasing diversity in the nation's representation abroad.  "With the prestige of the United States behind them, our diplomats have the opportunity to serve their nation while experiencing the variety of cultures, languages and ways of life which comprise our global community."

Two unique aspects of this program, compared to other international affairs programs, are strong mentoring and employment components. “Mentoring is critical to our success,” noted Scroggs. “As soon as we select our Fellows, they are assigned a mentor. They get to meet young, mid-level and senior Foreign Service Officers. They build a network and become very close. This helps them succeed.” Ochoa agrees, adding that they also are able to gain valuable practical experience through the internships. On the employment side, Scroggs explained that, “When they successfully complete the Program, they have a job waiting for them in the State Department.”

There are two major components to the Rangel Program:

• International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program that provides support for graduate school, professional development, and targeted study for entry into the U.S. Foreign Service.

International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program that provides 15-20 undergraduates - Rangel Scholars - with the opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding about U.S. foreign policy.

Eligibility:
Graduate Fellowship Program applicants must:

• Be U.S. citizens
• Be in the senior year of their undergraduate study or have completed their undergraduate degree by June 2012 and must be seeking admission to enter graduate school in the fall of 2012 for a two-year program.
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
• Complete their applications by January 20

Summer Enrichment Program applicants must:

• Be U.S. citizens
• Be full-time undergraduate students
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale at the time of application
• Complete their applications by February 10

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The Program, which selected its first graduate fellows in 2003, is already having an impact on the U.S. Foreign Service and foreign policy. There are 101 Rangel Fellows of which 59 are in the Foreign Service, and 41 are in graduate school. Those who have joined the Foreign Service are making a difference in some 20 U.S. embassies around the world. The 42 Rangel Fellows who are pursuing their graduate degrees are at universities around the country, including Tufts, American, Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Columbia, Georgetown, Syracuse, George Washington, University of Denver, Princeton, University of California San Diego, and Howard.