The Rangel Program is a collaborative effort between Howard University and the U.S. State Department that seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers as diplomats in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The program seeks individuals interested in helping to shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing U.S. foreign policy. The Program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need.

This fellowship provides up to $42,000 annually for a two-year period for tuition, room, board, books, and mandatory fees for completion of a two-year master’s degree. This includes up to $24,000 per year for tuition and mandatory fees and an academic year stipend of $18,000. At the conclusion of two years of study, the Rangel Fellow is expected to have obtained a degree in international affairs or another area of relevance to the work of the Foreign Service at a graduate school approved by the Rangel Program. Awardees are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 throughout their period of study. Fellows can use the fellowship to attend two-year MA programs in U.S. institutions to study an area of relevance to the Foreign Service, including international relations, public policy, public administration, economics, or business administration.

Upon successful completion of the two-year fellowship, fellows join the Foreign Service of the US Department of State. Applicants must be college seniors or graduates looking to start a two-year graduate program; must have a GPA of at least 3.2; and must be US citizens. All majors are welcome to apply.

Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program that provides support for graduate school, professional development, and entry into the U.S. Foreign Service.

In addition to the Graduate Fellowship, the Rangel program also offers a Summer Enrichment Program for undergraduate students, which is a six-week summer program at Howard University where students enhance their skills, knowledge and understanding about U.S. foreign policy.