Fellowships & Scholarships
Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship
Deadlines
  • Northeastern: 01/13/2023
  • Fellowship: 02/03/2023
Contact

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in applying for this fellowship, please fill out a preliminary questionnaire. You may contact the office with any questions.

Award Details

Award Website

For students who want to have a career in technology that makes a difference, see the world and experience different cultures, FAIT Fellowship program is the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship provides undergraduate and graduate students with tuition assistance, as well as mentorship and professional development to launch their careers in the Foreign Service. Specifically, the academic funding supports your junior and senior years of undergraduate study, OR a two-year master’s degree program in an IT-related field. Upon successful completion of the program, Fellows must commit a minimum of five year of service as a Foreign Service Information Management Specialist.

Foreign Service Information Management Specialists (IMS) support and maintain hundreds of applications and provide IT services domestically and abroad at over 275 overseas posts in nearly 200 countries.
Foreign Service Information Management Specialists have access to training and career development programs; health and medical coverage; federal retirement benefits and generous paid leave. Overseas benefits include paid housing or a housing allowance, and paid education for dependent children in K-12.

The U.S. Department of State is seeking to attract top tech talent to the Foreign Service that reflects the diversity of the United States. Women, members of minority groups underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and students with financial need, are encouraged to apply to this challenging and rewarding program.

 

US Citizenship Required

To be eligible for consideration for the 2020 cohort, students must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen enrolled in an undergraduate program relevant to IT (online degrees and community college students are eligible to apply)

o   Entering the junior year in the fall 2020 or

o   Entering an IT-related master’s degree program beginning in the fall of 2020

  • 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 pass medical and security clearances and suitability requirements.
  • Be prepared to enter the Foreign Service (a five-year commitment) in fall of 2022.

The Foreign Affairs IT (FAIT) Fellowship is dedicated to empowering the next generation of technology leaders in the U.S. Foreign Service who reflect the face of America and providing a source of trained individuals who are dedicated to pursuing careers as Foreign Service Information Management Specialists.

The FAIT Fellowship believes that a diverse and inclusive workforce opens doors to innovation, creativity, new ideas and solutions, and a better understanding of the world. A more diverse generation of Foreign Service staff is culturally aware, adaptable, well-rounded and agile – and able to represent the best of the United States to nations around the world.

FAIT Fellowship Benefits
• Undergraduate candidates: Up to $37,500 annually for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expenses for junior year and senior year of undergraduate studies related to an IT field.
• Graduate candidates: Up to $37,500 annually for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees and some travel expenses for a two-year master’s degree in an IT related field.
• Two summer internships, one at a domestic office of the Department of State in Washington, D.C. and one overseas at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The program provides stipends, transportation and housing for these internships.
• Orientation to the Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship program, the Foreign Service career path and to the Department of State.
• Mentoring from a Foreign Service IMS throughout the duration of the fellowship.
• Employment in the Department of State Foreign Service for those who successfully complete the program and the Foreign Service IMS entry requirements.

Obligations of an FAIT Fellow
• Must be able to obtain medical, security and suitability clearances in order to remain in the program.
• Attend June 2020 orientation in Washington, D.C.
• Fulfill the summer internship obligations (summer 2021 & summer 2022).
• Be prepared to enter the Foreign Service in fall 2022.
• Complete a minimum of five years of service in an appointment as a Foreign Service Information Management Specialist (IMS). Candidates who do not successfully complete the program and meet Foreign Service entry requirements may be subject to a repayment obligation to the Department of State.

The program follows this general schedule:

  • Application Opens: Early November
  • Application Closes: Early February
  • In-person Interviews: Spring
  • Orientation: June
  • Program begins: Fall
  • First Internship (in Washington, D.C.): Summer (between junior-senior years for undergraduates; between first-second years for graduate students)
  • Second Internship (at an Embassy or Consulate abroad): Summer (after graduation/completion of degree)
  • Information Management Specialist Position begins: Fall (following completion of international internship; approximately three months post-graduation)

The application requests:

  • Proof of US 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.
  • Resume: Maximum two-page resume that highlights your leadership skills
  • 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: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: Prepare a short statement (400 words max) explaining your need for financial assistance, including assistance you received during your undergraduate studies, your overall education-related debt, and 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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Interested? Have Questions?

If you meet the eligibility criteria and are interested in a fellowship or opportunity, please fill out a preliminary questionnaire. Contact the office with any questions: