How to Apply

Applications for the FAIT Fellowship 2024 cohort are being accepted September 12, 2023, to January 16, 2024, at 11:59 pm (EDT). Applications submitted after the deadline date will not be considered, so please take note of your local time zone.

Here are important deadlines to keep in mind:

Early Review Deadline: Jan 2, 2024. Take advantage of getting an early review of your application to ensure all documents are correctly submitted. This gives you time to resubmit documents if needed.

Final Deadline: Jan 16, 2024, at 11:59 pm (EST). Any applications submitted after this deadline will not be considered.

To begin, click the Apply Now button below. This will take you to The Washington Center’s program application portal login page. If you have not yet registered, click “Create an Account.” Once you are in the program application portal, click the Apply Now tab and select FAIT Fellowship.

Eligibility

Below are the current eligibility requirements for the FAIT Fellowship 2024 cohort. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and those with financial need, are encouraged to apply.

To be eligible to apply for the 2024 cohort, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time IT-related degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution.
For the undergraduate fellowship:
- Community college students in an associate degree program must be seeking admission to enter a full-time, IT-related bachelor’s degree program in fall 2024 AND on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters.
- Four-year college/university students must be enrolled full-time in an IT-related bachelor’s degree program AND on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters starting in fall 2024.
- Students enrolled in an accelerated bachelor’s/master’s IT-related degree program must be on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters starting in fall 2024.
For the graduate fellowship:
- Individuals must be seeking admission to enter a full-time, IT-related master’s degree in fall 2024 AND be on a timeline to graduate in spring 2026 after completing four full-time semesters.
Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA throughout the program.

As a selected FAIT Fellow, you must:

Obtain and maintain security clearances and suitability requirements, and meet minimum medical qualification standards.
Agree to a five-year commitment with the Foreign Service upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.

If you are not sure whether your degree program fits into the timeline, please contact us at FAITFellowship@twc.edu before you apply.

FAIT Fellowship Timeline

Below is a general timeline for the 2024 cohort of the FAIT Fellowship program.

September 2023 – January 16, 2024: Applications accepted
February 2024: Notifications of finalist selections are sent via email
March 2024: Finalists participate remotely in the interview and selection process
June 2024: Orientation for selected FAIT Fellows 2024 cohort
September 2024: FAIT Fellowship program begins for the 2024 cohort, as you enter the junior year of your undergrad OR the first year of your graduate program
May 2025: Finish your spring semester
May – August 2025: Domestic Internship (10 weeks), Professional Development Series
September 2025: Fall semester begins (final year of your undergrad or graduate program)
May 2026: Graduate with your bachelor’s degree or your master’s degree
May – August 2026: Overseas internship (10 weeks)
September 2026: Enter the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Application Documents

Your application must include:

PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP

U.S. passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers

TRANSCRIPT

You will need to submit an unofficial copy of transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended for two or more semesters.

A PERSONAL STATEMENT

Explain why you want to pursue a career in the Foreign Service (750 words max.):

- Highlight your motivations, as well as your background, experiences and skills that will help you succeed.
- Read the article Tips for Writing an Impactful Personal Statement

If you received financial aid during the most recent academic year, you are required to submit your SAR form.
If you did not receive financial aid during the most recent academic year, you must complete the FAFSA to generate an SAR.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL NEED

Use this as an opportunity to address any financial hardship or impactful adversity you may have experienced that affects your overall financial standing. You may also include:

Assistance you received during your undergraduate studies
Your overall education-related debt
Your ability/plans to pay for graduate school and/or your junior and senior years of undergraduate (depending on whether you are applying for the Graduate or Undergraduate Fellowship).

ONE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Select recommenders who can explain why you are uniquely qualified for the fellowship.

If you were enrolled in a degree-granting program within the last two years, the letter must be from a professor or faculty member who knows you.
If you have been in an online program, you may select an individual who is familiar with your academics, professional work, or volunteer/community activities.
If you are returning to graduate school after a couple of years, choose someone who is familiar with your academics, professional work, or volunteer/community activities.