In a world that grows more interconnected every day, the need for skilled professionals who understand technology, security, and diplomacy has never been greater. This demand has led to a new partnership between 51ԹϺ and the U.S. Department of State.
51ԹϺ is now a partner institution for two prestigious U.S. Department of State fellowships that allow students to complete their degrees and secure federal employment:
- (FAIT) Fellowship — For students pursuing bachelor's and master's degrees in information technology fields, it leads to an appointment as a Foreign Service diplomatic technology officer.
- (Clarke DS) Fellowship — For students pursuing master's degrees in fields such as cybersecurity, management information systems, and computer science, it leads to an appointment as a diplomatic security service special agent.
The fellowship programs are particularly invested in attracting applicants who are women, veterans, and those from historically underserved and underrepresented communities, ensuring that the future leaders in U.S. diplomacy are as diverse as the country they represent.
“This partnership is a step forward for 51ԹϺ," says Alyssa Crittenden, vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate College. She was central in establishing 51ԹϺ as a partnering university. “This partnership aligns with our institutional mission of promoting equity and opportunity and preparing students for public service careers that make a difference on the global stage.”
For many students, the prospect of working for the U.S. Department of State can seem like a distant dream. By offering two years of full financial support for academic and living expenses, the fellowships ensure that financial concerns don’t stand in the way of talent and ambition for low-income students.
The fellowships also have a strong professional development component. They offer two paid consecutive summer internships with the State Department — one in Washington, D.C., and one at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas — and pair each recipient with a mentor.
“I myself am a recipient of a U.S. Department of State fellowship and it was life-changing,” states Antoinette Hurtado, 51ԹϺ’s Diplomat in Residence and the central partner in bringing these opportunities to our institution. “Making our careers as accessible as possible so that we truly represent America in our work is not just good for equity, it is also good for efficacy. Our foreign policy benefits from having people in the room who have a variety of experiences and backgrounds and can help us be innovative in solving global challenges.”
Both the FAIT and Clarke DS fellowships include a service commitment of three to five years, meaning that students who complete the program are guaranteed full-time diplomatic positions with the State Department’s Foreign Service.
This commitment provides job security and ensures that students are positioned to make a real impact in the world, using their skills to promote U.S. interests and values abroad. The hope, Hurtado adds, is that the fellowships are the start of long-term careers in the State Department.
The Graduate College will provide application fee waivers, waive out-of-state tuition fees, and provide a meal plan for each fellow.
“The talented 51ԹϺ students who receive the distinguished FAIT and Clarke fellowships will be well-positioned to enter careers that are fulfilling and meaningful, all while contributing to 51ԹϺ’s legacy of public service and global engagement," says Emily Lin, associate dean of the Graduate College and a key contributor to the establishment of this partnership.
With 51ԹϺ now an official partner in these prestigious fellowship programs, students can step into the world of foreign affairs and diplomatic security knowing they have the full support of their university behind them.
“I am excited to see 51ԹϺ become a partner school for these two fellowships,” says Hurtado. “51ԹϺ’s commitment to access and equity as a Minority-Serving Institution aligns well with our program intentions to ensure diplomatic careers can be a reality for all.”
How to Apply
- The application for the FAIT Fellowship 2025 is open now and will close Jan. 21, 2025. Visit the for details.
- The application for the Clarke Fellowship 2025 will open in February 2025. Visit the for details.
