WASHINGTON, December 28, 2004 -- College seniors or graduate students interested in pursuing careers in the State Department diplomatic corps have until January 28th to submit their applications to compete for ten graduate school fellowships available under the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program. 

The fellowships are each worth up to $28,000 a year to pay for Master's degree studies in international affairs or related subjects at accredited universities.  Under a special arrangement with the State Department, upon successful completion of the program graduates will be eligible to enter the ranks of the career Foreign Service, the U.S. diplomatic corps.

The program was founded and financed by federal funds secured by Congressman Rangel.  "Representing our country overseas as a Foreign Service Officer is one of the most exciting and distinguished careers I can think of," said Cong. Rangel who established the program with the goal of increasing diversity in the nation's representation abroad.  "With the prestige of the United States behind them, our diplomats have the opportunity to serve their nation while experiencing the variety of cultures, languages and ways of life which comprise our global community.

The Rangel Program is administered by Howard University in Washington in collaboration with the U.S. State Department.  However, students attending any college or university may apply, and fellowship winners may attend any accredited university with programs in international affairs or related majors. 

Application materials can be obtained by visiting the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program at Howard University website at www.Howard.edu/rjb/RangelProgram.htm. 

For additional information, please contact Ambassador Kevin J. McGuire, Program Manager, Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program, Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center, Howard University, 2218 6th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20059.  Telephone Number: 202 806-4367.

In the first year, Rangel Fellows will also receive stipends while working as interns in Congressional offices in Washington, and in the second, assigned to a U.S. embassy overseas.  In addition, they will participate in a six-week Summer Enrichment Program of credit-bearing courses at Howard University and be introduced to the government environment during guided visits to the State Department and other national security agencies.

The paid Summer Enrichment Program is also available competitively to a larger group of 35 undergraduate or graduate students apart from the Rangel Fellows.   The application deadline for the Summer Enrichment Program is February 11th.  Application materials are also available at the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program website.

"The Foreign Service diplomatic corps is one of the best kept secrets in Washington, which used to be reserved for Blue-Bloods and Ivy Leaguers," Congressman Rangel.  "Now that the world is no longer centered in Europe, our nation can't afford to waste the talent and skills of people from every race, religion and ethnic background.  If America is going to deal effectively with Africa, Latin America, Asia and the rest of the world, our Foreign Service must not only represent America, it must look like America."