We encourage you to use the OFA as a resource when pursuing academic or professional opportunities through competitive scholarships.
BESTCOLLEGES SCHOLARSHIP FOR BLACK WOMEN IN STEM
On average, Black women in STEM earn salaries that are 45% lower than their highest-paid peers. BestColleges is committed to breaking down barriers for students in underrepresented communities, who desire careers in the most competitive fields. Five $6,000 scholarships are awarded to Black women who are currently pursuing careers in STEM.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program
Each year the Endowment offers 8-10 one-year fellowships to qualified graduating seniors and individuals who have graduated during the past academic year. Gaither Junior Fellows work as research assistants to the Endowment's senior associates. The Endowment's nomination deadline is January 15 of each year. Institutional endorsement is required. Application must be received in the Office of Fellowship Advising in advance, usually by late November.
William D. Clarke Diplomatic Security Fellowship
The William D. Clarke, Sr Diplomatic Security Fellowship program is designed for highly talented individuals of all majors and all backgrounds who want to pursue a graduate degree and a career in the Foreign Service. This two-year graduate fellowship program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, includes academic funding for a full-time master’s degree program, two summer practicums with stipends, professional development, and mentorship. After successful completion of the program and the Foreign Service entry requirements, you will receive an appointment as a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent, and launch your career traveling the world, leading and managing U.S. diplomatic mission security programs, conducting transnational criminal investigations, and more.
The FAO Schwarz Fellowship Program
FAO Schwarz Fellowship program is a 2-year public service opportunity. Fellows work at high-impact nonprofit organizations in Boston, New York City and Philadelphia. These organizations are all deeply valued in their communities and have a strong record of delivering consistent results and high-quality services. Host organizations vary from year to year, but all have a proven commitment to addressing critical issues of social inequity. Fellows deepen their knowledge and understanding of relevant social issues, work directly with host communities, and lead strategic projects that strengthen the host organization’s capacity and impact.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program annually identifies a cohort of 100 high-achieving students from around the world with demonstrated leadership and civic commitment to receive full funding to pursue graduate study at Stanford, with the goal of developing a new generation of global leaders.
James Madison Graduate Fellowships
Provides funding for graduate study for students who plan to become teachers of American history, American government, or social studies at the secondary school level. Junior Fellowships are awarded to students who are about to complete, or have completed, their undergraduate course of study and plan to begin graduate work on a full-time basis. Applications are due early March.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP)
The NSF provides many opportunities for graduate work in STEM fields, including some social sciences. The NSF GRFP recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in STEM disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited US institutions. The five-year fellowship includes three years of financial support including an annual stipend of $34,000. Deadlines vary by discipline, but generally fall throughout the month of October.
Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship For New Americans
Thirty scholarships will be awarded each year to new Americans who are resident aliens, naturalized citizens, or the children of two naturalized citizens. Seeks applicants who are creative, committed to accomplishments and to the values of the U.S. constitution and bill of rights. Recipients may receive up to $90,000 for two years of graduate study in any field. Institutional endorsement is not required. Students apply directly to the Foundation.
Africana Studies Undergraduate Fellowship
The Africana Studies Program is designed to prepare juniors and seniors for experiences in the academy beyond their undergraduate careers. By providing hands-on experience and effective and sustained one-on-one mentorship, the Africana Studies Undergraduate Fellowship program is designed to address pipeline issues by supporting promising undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds with interests in academic careers along the trajectory from college through the PhD (or for those with an interest in the creative and performing arts the MFA). Undergraduate fellows will be paired with faculty mentors whose research interests align with their own. During the course of the fellowship, undergraduate fellows will receive a $2,500 stipend to work as research assistants for faculty mentors who will provide academic/research mentorship.
Beinecke Scholarship
For applicants in their Junior year, this scholarship provides $34,000 for graduate study in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Must have demonstrated financial need and be near the top of your class. Institutional endorsement by the Office of Fellowship Advising is required. Application must be received in the OFA by early January. Applications to the Beinecke program are due late February.
BESTCOLLEGES SCHOLARSHIP FOR BLACK WOMEN IN STEM
On average, Black women in STEM earn salaries that are 45% lower than their highest-paid peers. BestColleges is committed to breaking down barriers for students in underrepresented communities, who desire careers in the most competitive fields. Five $6,000 scholarships are awarded to Black women who are currently pursuing careers in STEM.
Goldwater Scholarship
For sophomores and juniors who want to pursue a research career in science, math, and engineering. Those who plan to study medicine are eligible for a Goldwater Scholarship only if the student plans a research career rather than a clinical career. Institutional endorsement by the Office of Fellowship Advising is required. Express intent to apply in September of the year in which you hope to apply.
Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship recognizes outstanding students studying in NOAA mission fields. (Mission fields include, but are not limited to, oceanic, environmental, biological, and atmospheric sciences, mathematics, engineering, remote sensing technology, physical and social sciences including geography, physics, hydrology, geomatics, or teacher education that support NOAA's programs and mission.) Student scholars receive up to $9,500 per academic year to support their studies, as well as paid summer internship opportunities at NOAA facilities across the US. Students can apply during the second year of a four-year academic program. Applications are due in late January.
Humanity In Action
Humanity in Action is an international educational organization. They foster a global network of students, young professionals and established leaders committed to promoting human rights, diversity and active citizenship—in their own communities and around the world.
The Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA)
PPIA is a not-for-profit that has been supporting efforts to increase diversity in public service. PPIA’s Junior Summer Institute (JSI) is a rigorous academic, fully funded fellowship program that provides student training and financial support for graduate school and facilitates ongoing professional development. Alumni of this program who apply for admission to member schools (a consortium of more than 50 top public and international affairs graduate programs in the nation) are guaranteed application fee waivers and, if accepted, are guaranteed a minimum, one-time financial award of $5,000 from the school. Most programs can provide financial assistance well above this level (including 100% tuition scholarships and generous stipend support). PPIA also offers Public Service Weekends, which are free three-day conferences held across the country to introduce even more students to the broad range of opportunities available in public service.
Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Program
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship aims to attract candidates from all ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds who endeavor pursuing a Foreign Service career with the U.S. Department of State. The Pickering Fellowship has Undergraduate and Graduate Programs. Pickering Undergraduate applicants must apply as rising seniors; Graduate applicants must be seeking admission to a two-year master’s degree program.
Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program(s)
- Graduate Fellows
The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State in which they can help formulate, represent, and implement U.S. foreign policy. The Rangel Program selects outstanding Rangel Fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide process and supports them through two years of graduate study, internships, mentoring, and professional development activities. This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Fellows who successfully complete the program and Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers, in accordance with applicable law and State Department policy.
- Summer Enrichment Program
The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program is a six-week summer program designed to provide undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. The Program usually selects participants (known as “Rangel Scholars”) each year from universities throughout the United States. This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Students live at Howard University, attend classes, and participate in a variety of programs with foreign affairs professionals at Howard and at diverse locations around Washington, DC.
Truman Scholarship
Juniors interested in careers dedicated to promoting the public good. Must be in the top 25% of your class and have an excellent track record in public service and leadership activities. Provides funding for graduate school ($30,000) and can be used in law school. Institutional endorsement by the Office of Fellowship Advising necessary. Interested students should contact the OFA by the end of September. Applications to Truman are due early February.
Udall Scholarship
For sophomores and juniors who intend to pursue studies in the environment, Native American health care or Native American tribal public policy. Candidates need at least a 3.6 GPA and strong service and leadership in one of the above three areas of interest. Institutional endorsement by the Office of Fellowship Advising required. Interested applicants must contact the OFA no later than November of the year during which they will apply. Endorsement applications are due in mid-January.
