Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship

About the program

The Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship program aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the State Department’s Foreign Service Office.  The Rangel Program will select 30 outstanding Rangel Fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide process and helps support them through two years of graduate study, internships and professional development activities, and entry into the Foreign Service.  This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need.  Fellows who successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers.

Eligibility

  • U.S. Citizenship at time of application
  • Graduating seniors and recent graduates
  • Minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA

Selection criteria

The fellowship seeks individuals who show clear interest in a Foreign Service career with the U.S. Department of State, along with a strong academic background, a commitment to service, leadership skills, financial need for graduate school, diverse interests in areas such as international affairs and government, cultural sensitivity, writing skills, and an ability to overcome obstacles. A good application demonstrates motivations, experiences, accomplishments, and career goals. Strong candidates will also have demonstrated need for financial assistance to attend graduate school. 

Application information

Candidates apply directly to the Rangel programs. Review the program’s Tips on Preparing a Competitive Application. In addition to an online form, the application asks for a copy of unofficial transcript(s), proof of U.S. citizenship, a personal statement, a statement of financial need, a personal resume, most recent financial aid award letter, most recent Student Aid Report, two letters of recommendation, and GRE/GMAT scores. September deadline.