How to Apply - FAIT Fellowship

The Application Portal for the 2022 Cohort is Open

Early Review Deadline: Jan 10, 2022. Submit your application by this date if you would like the FAIT Fellowship team to review your application and ensure all documents are correctly submitted. You’ll be able to resubmit documents if needed. After this date, we will not be able to review your application in advance.

Final Deadline: Jan 31, 2022 at 11:59 pm (EST). Any applications after this deadline will not be accepted.

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

Before you begin, please read the Eligibility Requirements and review the Application Documents section below. You should also review the helpful resources on the blog, including Quick Guide: Step-by-Step Through the FAIT Fellowship Application, for tips on preparing a strong application. Get tips from successful FAIT Fellows in this video.

Eligibility

Below are the current eligibility requirements for the FAIT Fellowship 2022 cohort. Women, members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and those with financial need, are encouraged to apply.

To be eligible, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program relevant to Information Technology at a U.S.-based accredited institution, and entering the junior year in the fall of 2022, OR seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution, beginning in the fall of 2022.
Be on a timeline to graduate with your bachelor’s or master’s degree in May 2024.
Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA through participation in the program.
Be able to obtain and maintain medical and security clearances and suitability requirements. (Click here for information on the Department of State clearance processes.)

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 2022 cohort of the FAIT Fellowship program.

September 8, 2021 – January 31, 2022 (11:59 pm ET): Applications accepted
March 15, 2022: Notifications of finalist selections are sent via email
March 28-30, 2022: Finalists participate remotely in the interview process
March 31, 2022: Notifications of final FAIT Fellow selections are sent via email
June 2022: Orientation in Washington, D.C. (Travel and accommodations are covered)
September 2022: Start your junior year of undergrad OR start your first year of graduate school
May 2023: Finish your junior year of undergrad OR finish your first year of graduate school
June – August 2023: Domestic Internship (10 weeks), Professional Development Series
September 2023: Start your senior year of undergrad OR start your second/final year of graduate school
May 2024: Graduate with your undergraduate degree or your master’s degree
June – August 2024: Overseas internship (10 weeks)
September 2024: FAIT Fellows enter Foreign Service as Information Management Specialists

For a detailed estimated timeline that outlines each semester of the Fellowship, click the Download Now button below:

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Application Documents

Your application must include:

PROOF OF U.S. CITIZENSHIP

U.S. passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers

TRANSCRIPT

An unofficial copy for all schools attended

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.

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