How to Apply for the FAIT Fellowship

Applications for the FAIT Fellowship 2023 cohort are being accepted September 12, 2022 through February 3, 2023.

Before you start your application, please read the Eligibility Requirements and the Application Documents section below. Also, the blog articles on this website provide many helpful resources to help you prepare a strong application.

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, click Create an Account. Once you are in the program application portal, click the Apply Now tab and select FAIT Fellowship.

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Early Review Deadline: Jan 13, 2023. 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: Feb 3, 2023, at 11:59 pm (EST). Any applications after this deadline will not be accepted.

Eligibility

Below are the current eligibility requirements for the FAIT Fellowship 2023 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 2023 cohort, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen.
  • Be enrolled full-time in an IT-related bachelor’s degree program OR seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution
  • Be on a timeline to graduate with your bachelor’s or master’s in spring 2025 while enrolled full-time for spring and fall 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:

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

FAIT Fellowship Timeline

Below is a general timeline for the 2023 cohort of the FAIT Fellowship program.

  • September 12, 2022 – February 3, 2023 (11:59 pm ET): Applications accepted
  • March 2023:  Notifications of finalist selections are sent via email
  • Spring 2023: Finalists participate remotely in the interview and selection process
  • June 2023: Orientation
  • September 2023: FAIT Fellowship program begins for the 2023 cohort, as you enter the junior year of your undergrad OR the first year of your graduate program
  • May 2024: Finish your spring semester
  • June – August 2024: Domestic Internship (10 weeks), Professional Development Series
  • September 2024: Fall semester begins (final year of your undergrad or graduate program)
  • May 2025: Graduate with your bachelor’s degree or your master’s degree
  • June – August 2025: Overseas internship (10 weeks)
  • September 2025: Enter the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Application Documents

Your application must include:

U.S. passport, birth certificate or naturalization papers

An unofficial copy for all schools attended

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

Maximum two-page resume that highlights your leadership skills (read this article for tips)

If you received financial aid during the most recent academic year, you are required to submit a Financial Aid Letter listing grants or loans.

  • 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.

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).

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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