Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship

Leveraging your passion for technology to serve the U.S. abroad.

If you’re pursuing an IT-related degree, the Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship could combine your passion for technology and love of travel into a rewarding career.

As a FAIT Fellow, you’ll receive academic funding, two paid summer internships in the U.S. Department of State, mentoring, and professional development. After successfully completing the program and the State Department’s requirements, you will receive an appointment with the U.S. Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist.

Underrepresented minority groups are encouraged to apply: this includes but is not limited to racial, ethnic, geographic, and gender minorities, as well as those with financial need.

Visit the FAIT fellowship program website to download resources, read articles, watch videos and more.

Eligibility Here are the current eligibility requirements for the FAIT Fellowship program. You must: 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 your junior year in the fall of the cohort year, OR seeking admission to an IT-related master’s degree program, at a U.S.-based accredited institution, beginning in the fall of the cohort year.

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.

Program Components Fellows receive tuition and stipend support for four semesters of academic coursework. Funds are intended to be used in two consecutive academic years, ending in degree completion; Fellows earn a Bachelor’s Degree OR a 2-year Master’s Degree in an IT-related major or program. Accredited online degree programs are permitted. During this two-year program, FAIT Fellows complete two summer internships with the State Department: A domestic internship in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Department of State An international internship at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad Throughout the program Fellows receive personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities. After successfully completing the program and meeting all the requirements of the State Department, Fellows commission into the Foreign Service and serve as an Information Management Specialist for at least five years.

Program Benefits The U.S. State Department provides substantial academic funding so that you may focus on preparing yourself for a future career in the Foreign Service. As a selected FAIT Fellow, you will receive: Up to $37,500 annually for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expenses for your junior and senior year of undergraduate study OR a two-year master’s degree in an IT-related field.

a two-year master’s degree in an IT-related field. You'll also receive stipends, housing and travel allowances for the two internship experiences.

How to Apply Applications for the FAIT Fellowship 2020 cohort have closed. The new application cycle (2021 cohort) should begin in the fall of 2020 and close in February 2021. Announcements will be made, but please check back for updated information on the FAIT Fellowship website. FAIT FELLOWSHIP Application Documents Your application must include: Proof of U.S. citizenship : U.S. passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers

: U.S. passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers Transcript : an unofficial copy for all schools attended

: 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)

(for graduate students): Submit your GRE/GMAT scores only if they are required to apply for your intended graduate program(s) A Personal Statement explaining 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. It might be helpful to review the 12 Dimensions of Foreign Service Specialists

(750 words max.): Resumé (two-pages max.)

(two-pages max.) 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.

: 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).

: 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: 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.

: select recommenders who can explain why you are uniquely qualified for the fellowship.