The Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship Is An Opportunity Of A Lifetime

If you want to use your tech skills to make a difference, see the world, and experience different cultures, the Foreign Affairs IT (FAIT) Fellowship is an opportunity of a lifetime.

The FAIT Fellowship, funded by the United States Department of State, provides undergraduate and graduate students in IT-related fields with tuition assistance, as well as mentorship and professional development, to launch their careers in the Foreign Service as Information Management Specialists. It welcomes the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with financial need. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, social, and geographic diversity.

The academic funding supports your junior and senior years of undergraduate studies, or your two-year master’s degree program, in an IT-related field. Plus, the fellowship provides two valuable internship experiences (one in Washington, D.C. and one abroad), professional development, and personalized mentoring.

After you successfully complete the program and pass the U.S. Department of State’s requirements, you’ll launch your career with an appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist with a minimum five-year commitment.

Applications Being Accepted for 2021 Cohort

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program relevant to Information Technology at a U.S.-based accredited institution, and entering the junior year in the fall of 2021, OR seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution, beginning in the fall of 2021.
• Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA through participation in the program.
• Be able to obtain and maintain medical and security clearances and suitability requirements. (Click here for information on the Department of State clearance processes.)

FAIT Fellowship Timeline

• September 8, 2020 – February 1, 2021: Applications Accepted
• March – April 2021: Selection Process
• June 2021: Orientation
• September 2021– May 2022: Complete Junior Year of Undergrad or First Year Graduate Program
• June – August 2022: Domestic Internship (10 weeks), Professional Development Series
• September 2022– May 2023: Complete Senior Year of Undergrad or Second Year Graduate Program
• June – August 2023: Overseas Internship (10 weeks)
• September 2023: FAIT Fellows Enter Foreign Service as Information Management Specialists

Application Documents

• PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP: U.S. passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers
• TRANSCRIPT: An unofficial copy for all schools attended
• GRE/GMAT SCORES (for graduate students): Submit your GRE/GMAT scores only if they are required to apply for your intended graduate program(s)
• A PERSONAL STATEMENT: Explain why you want to pursue a career in the Foreign Service (750 words max.):
  • Highlight your motivations, as well as your background, experiences and skills that will help you succeed.
  • Read the article Tips for Writing an Impactful Personal Statement
• RESUMÉ Maximum two-page resume that highlights your leadership skills (read this article for tips)
• MOST RECENT FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTER : If you received financial aid during the most recent academic year, you are required to submit a Financial Aid Letter listing grants or loans.
• MOST RECENT STUDENT AID REPORT (SAR)
  • If you received financial aid during the most recent academic year, you are required to submit your SAR form.
  • If you did not receive financial aid during the most recent academic year, you must complete the FAFSA to generate an SAR.
• STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL NEED: Use this as an opportunity to address any financial hardship or impactful adversity you may have experienced that affects your overall financial standing. You may also include:
  
  • Assistance you received during your undergraduate studies
  • Your overall education-related debt
  • Your ability/plans to pay for graduate school and/or your junior and senior years of undergraduate (depending on whether you are applying for the Graduate or Undergraduate Fellowship).


• ONE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION Select recommenders who can explain why you are uniquely qualified for the fellowship.
  • If you were enrolled in a degree-granting program within the last two years, the letter must be from a professor or faculty member who knows you.
  • If you are returning to graduate school after a couple years, choose someone who is familiar with your academics, professional work, or volunteer/community activities.

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