Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program

About Us The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program attracts and prepares outstanding candidates for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State. Background of Program The Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship was established in 1992 as the U.S. Department of State Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program as an initiative of former Director General of the Foreign Service and Ambassador to South Africa, Edward J. Perkins. In 2001, the fellowship was named to honor one of the most distinguished American diplomats, Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering. Ambassador Pickering is dedicated to the cause of the fellowship that carries his name and actively supports and participates in events to promote the professional development of the fellows. The program continues to ensure that the Foreign Service reflects the face of America to foreign audiences and provides a source of trained women and men who are dedicated to pursuing Foreign Service careers with the Department of State and representing America’s interests abroad. More than 600 fellows have joined the Foreign Service and are currently representing the United States around the world. The Pickering Fellowship served as the model for the subsequent establishment of the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship, the USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship, the Foreign IT Fellowship Program and the Clarke DS Fellowship Program. The Pickering Program offers graduate fellowships to outstanding seniors and college graduates who want to join the Foreign Service. These fellowships help finance two-year graduate programs, provide two summer internships, mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer, and other professional development activities. The program’s goals are to promote greater diversity and excellence in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, gender, social, and geographic diversity. Members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with financial need are encouraged to apply. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and is collaboratively administered by Howard University and the Bureau of Global Talent Management via a cooperative agreement.