Interested in up to $84K in academic funding over two years for a master’s degree and a rewarding public service career traveling the world?
The
William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship provides up to $84,000 over two years in academic funding for you to earn your master’s degree and prepares you to enter the Foreign Service as a
Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent.
The application for the 2025 cohort of the Clarke DS Fellowship is open February 12, 2024, to April 29, 2024 (11:59 pm EDT).
This unique two-year fellowship prepares you to enter the Foreign Service as a DSS Special Agent by providing:
- Up to $42,000 annually for two years in academic funding for tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees, and some travel expenses.
- Stipends, housing, and travel allowances for the two summer practicums with the Diplomatic Security Service: one in Washington, D.C., and one at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas.
- Personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the program.
Upon successful completion of the fellowship program and the State Department’s Foreign Service entry requirements, you will receive an appointment in the Foreign Service as a DSS Special Agent and launch a career at the forefront of law enforcement and international affairs.
Promoting Diversity in the Foreign Service As one of several high-profile State Department diversity recruitment programs, the Clarke DS Fellowship strives to attract the best candidates to the Foreign Service that reflect the diversity of the United States. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the Clarke DS Fellowship program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, gender, and geographic diversity. Members of minority groups underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need are encouraged to apply.
Are You Eligible to Apply? To be eligible to apply for the 2025 cohort, you must meet all the criteria below:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be at least 19 years old and no older than 32 years old before the application deadline (except for preference-eligible veterans).
- Be planning to enter a two-year, full-time master’s degree program in fall 2025 at a U.S.-based accredited institution.
- Be on the timeline to graduate in spring 2027 with a master’s degree after attending four full-time semesters during your two years of the fellowship.
- Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of application and maintain this GPA throughout the program.
As a finalist, you must:
There are additional requirements you must meet when you are selected as a Clarke DS Fellow and when you are appointed as a DSS Special Agent. You can find more info on these requirements on the
website.
Are You Ready for the Challenge? Don’t delay! Here are some steps to get started:
- Read about what DSS Special Agents do
- Watch videos with advice from current DSS Special Agents
- See this Quick Guide for a list of what you will need for the application
Contact Us with Questions We’d love to talk with you and answer your questions. Send us an email at
clarkeddsfellowship@twc.edu, and let us know your contact info and the best time to reach you.
Learn more at
ClarkeDSFellowship.org.
Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Thursday, April 4th 2024 at 6:49PM
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