U.S. State Dept. Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship: Path to a Foreign Service Career

This webinar is sponsored by the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) and is designed for faculty and advisors of colleges and universities. Students are also welcome to attend.

Discover how this two-year fellowship program, funded by the U.S. Department of State, is a path to a career in the Foreign Service for individuals who are pursuing IT-related college degrees.

The Foreign Affairs Information Technology (FAIT) Fellowship offers both undergraduate and graduate fellowships, providing up to $87,000 in academic funding over two years, summer internships with stipends, professional development and mentorship. And upon successful completion, fellows receive an appointment in the Foreign Service as Information Management Specialists.

The application for the 2023 cohort is open September 12, 2022, through February 3, 2023. Fellows selected for the 2023 cohort will begin their two-year fellowship in fall 2023 and complete the fellowship in summer 2025.

As one of several high-profile U.S. Department of State diversity recruitment programs, the FAIT Fellowship seeks to attract top technology talent to the Foreign Service that reflects the diversity of the United States. The program is designed for highly talented individuals who want to pursue an IT-related undergraduate or graduate degree and a career in the Foreign Service. The FAIT Fellowship encourages applications from women, minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and those with financial need.

This webinar is designed for faculty, staff and advisors at community colleges and four-year colleges and universities, who want to help their students learn about this opportunity.

Our speakers on this one-hour webinar include:

• Patti Boerner, Program Manager for the FAIT Fellowship, U.S. Department of State
• Chelsey Jones, Assistant Director, FAIT Fellowship, The Washington Center

Don't miss this great opportunity to hear directly from the State Department and find out how you can support your qualified IT students who might apply for this unique program. You'll hear:

• An overview of the FAIT Fellowship program and the role of an Information Management Specialist in the Foreign Service
• How the FAIT Fellowship program is aligned with the State Department’s goals to attract top tech talent that reflects the diversity of the United States
• Eligibility requirements, including guidance on what to do if you are unsure whether a degree program is eligible
• What is the timeline for the 2023 cohort and how to determine if an individual's degree program is on the timeline for this cohort
• What is covered in the academic funding of up to $43,500 annually for two years
• What is required of students who are accepted into the FAIT Fellowship program (such as, summer internships, attending the professional development series, Foreign Service appointment)
• The role of the Diplomat in Residence (DIR) at colleges/universities and how to get in touch with the DIR in your region
• Options for spreading the word – virtual info sessions, in-person info sessions, printed or digital materials from TWC
• 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.