The Washington Center invites you to their event

Clarke DS Fellowship: Path to a Career as a Foreign Service DSS Special Agent

About this event

Join the U.S. Department of State and The Washington Center to hear about a unique two-year graduate fellowship program, the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship, that provides academic funding for a two-year master's degree program and leads to an exciting career in the Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent.

This webinar is designed for faculty and staff at colleges and universities who want to help their students learn about this opportunity. Students are also welcome to attend this webinar!

The Clarke DS Fellowship is accepting applications for the 2024 cohort July 18 to October 1, 2023 at 11:59 pm (EDT).

In this one-hour webinar, you'll hear about the eligibility requirements, benefits, selection process and timeline, to be able to help your students and alumni pursue this opportunity.

The Clarke DS Fellowship provides up to $42,000 annually for two years for academic funding (tuition, room and board, books/lab fees, other academic expenses, and some travel), two summer practicums with stipend support, personalized mentoring, and professional development. Upon successful completion of the fellowship program and Foreign Service entry requirements, fellows will receive an appointment as a Foreign Service DSS Special Agent – and launch an exciting career at the forefront of law enforcement and international affairs.

The Clarke DS Fellowship aims to attract top candidates that represent the ethnic, racial, gender, social, and geographic diversity of the United States. The Clarke DS Fellowship encourages applications from women, minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and those with financial need.

Our speakers on this one-hour webinar include:

  • Karen Ritter, Program Manager, Clarke DS Fellowship, U.S. Department of State
  • Kris Sivertson, Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent
  • Allison King, Marketing Manager, Clarke DS Fellowship, The Washington Center

You'll hear:

  • An overview of the Clarke DS Fellowship program and the role of DSS Special Agent in the Foreign Service
  • How the Clarke DS Fellowship program is aligned with the State Department’s goals to attract talent that reflects the diversity of the United States
  • Eligibility requirements and benefits
  • Timeline of the fellowship program
  • Requirements of applicants selected as finalists and requirements of Clarke DS Fellows
  • And much more!

You'll have a chance to ask questions during a live Q&A session.

If you aren't able to attend the live webinar, you'll get an email immediately after the webinar with access to the replay.


Hosted by

  • Guest speaker
    KR G
    Karen Ritter Program Manager, Clarke DS Fellowship @ U.S. Department of State

  • Guest speaker
    KS G
    Kris Sivertson Diplomatic Security Service @ U.S. Department of State

  • Team member
    T
    William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship

  • Team member
    MK T
    Mhehvish Khan Assistant Director, Federal Initiatives @ The Washington Center

  • Team member
    T
    Evandro Gurgel