Opportunities
Foreign Affairs & Public Service
If you are someone interested in serving the public good either domestically or abroad, you may be interested in some of the opportunities listed below. Whether you hope to go into the foreign service, become a policy-maker, or study a language critical to national security, there are many different national scholarships available to support your goals.
Boren Scholarships and Fellowships are unique funding opportunities for students (undergraduate and graduate) to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. national security interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Boren Scholarships are for undergraduate students and Fellowships are for graduate students. Boren Scholars commit to working in the federal government in the field of national security for at least one year after graduation.
Eligibility: US Citizen; undergraduate or graduate student; semester or academic year-long language program (or 8+ weeks for STEM majors). You must remain matriculated at USF during the duration of your program.
When is the national deadline? Late January – for study programs the following summer, fall, and spring semesters
When should you come see us? Early October
What is the application timeline? Students will begin working on first drafts of application essays three to five months before the national deadline (after our initial appointment). Students often move at their own pace in the drafting process, getting through as many drafts as they feel comfortable within the time period. We will review essays up until mid-December to allow time for the required campus evaluation process. Applicants submit the names of two to three recommendation letter writers in early October when they declare their intent to apply, and drafts of the letters will be due for feedback in early December.
ONS Contact: nationalscholarships@usf.edu
College to Congress seeks to help high-achieving students who are Pell Grant eligible, have DACA status, and/or have a disability to secure full-time internships with members of Congress representing their state or district. The program covers all costs associated with interning in DC, including meals, flights to/from DC, housing, and even professional clothing.
Eligibility: Junior or Senior undergraduate students; be eligible for the Pell Grant, have DACA status, OR receive financial aid as a student with disabilities
When is the national deadline? Late October (priority deadline) or late November
When should you come see us? Mid-August through early September
What is the application timeline? Students will begin working on first drafts of application essays one to two months before the national deadline (after our initial appointment). Students often move at their own pace in the drafting process, getting through as many drafts as they feel comfortable from August through the national deadline. Applicants submit the name of one recommendation letter writer in early September when they declare their intent to apply, and drafts of the letters will be due for feedback in mid-October.
ONS Contact: nationalscholarships@usf.edu
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully-funded summer overseas intensive language program and structured cultural enrichment experience designed to promote rapid language gains. CLS is part of a wider government initiative to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages that are critical to national security.
Eligibility: US Citizen, enrolled in degree-seeking program (undergraduate or graduate) at time of application, some languages require previous study
When is the national deadline? Late November
When should you come see us? Introductory appointments for CLS typically begin in August, September, or October. Students will also need to be in communication with recommendation letter writers early in the fall semester.
What is the application timeline? Students work at their own pace on essays between October and mid-November. Students submit the names of two recommendation letter writers in early October when they declare their intent to apply, and drafts of the letters will be due for feedback in early November. We try to have all application materials finalized before Thanksgiving break.
ONS Contact: nationalscholarships@usf.edu
The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program is an unpaid internship with the opportunity to work in U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world, as well as in various bureaus located in Washington, D.C. and at Department offices around the United States.
*If a student elects to complete an internship abroad, then the student is eligible to apply for a Gilman Scholarship to support this opportunity (Pell Grant eligible students only).
Eligibility: US Citizen; minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA; undergraduate student with at least junior status or a graduate student
When is the national deadline?
- Summer Internship: September
- Fall Internship: February
- Spring Internship: June
When should you come see us? At least two months prior to the national application deadline
What is the application timeline? Students will begin working on first drafts of application essays one to two months before the national deadline (after our initial appointment). Students often move at their own pace in the drafting process, getting through as many drafts as they feel comfortable from initial appointment through the national deadline.
ONS Contact: nationalscholarships@usf.edu
The Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Program was created from the belief that the best way to ensure Florida's greatness is to actively educate and cultivate its future leaders. During a nine-month tenure in Tallahassee, this non-partisan program provides Fellows with advanced on-the-job training as well as an invaluable front-line view of the inner workings of government.
Eligibility: This program is open to full-time undergraduate (juniors and seniors) and graduate students statewide. In order to maintain full-time status, students take courses at Florida State University, online courses, or fulfill internship and directed independent study requirements.
When is the national deadline? Application deadline is early January.
When should you come see us? Students who are interested in applying, or planning to apply for the FL Gubernatorial Fellows Program should schedule an appointment with Ms. Lauren Chambers in the fall semester (before the national deadline).
What is the application timeline? Students will work on their application materials during the fall semester before the national deadline. Since the application deadline is in early January, students will need to have completed their application before the University closes for winter break in late December.
ONS Contact: Ms. Lauren Chambers, lschumac@honors.usf.edu
Harvard Kennedy School’s Public Policy Leadership Conference (PPLC) is a three-day intensive workshop that aims to inspire talented and driven first- and second-year undergraduate students to pursue careers in public policy and become future leaders in public service. Participants experience what it is like to study public policy in a graduate school environment.
Eligibility: First- or second-year undergraduate student; US Citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient; minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
When is the national deadline? Early November
When should you come see us? September (or start of fall semester)
What is the application timeline? Students will begin working on first drafts of application essays one to two months before the national deadline (after our initial appointment). Students often move at their own pace in the drafting process, getting through as many drafts as they feel comfortable from August through the national deadline. Applicants submit the name of one recommendation letter writer in early September when they declare their intent to apply, and drafts of the letters will be due for feedback in mid-October.
ONS Contact: nationalscholarships@usf.edu
https://www.hks.harvard.edu/more/events/public-policy-leadership-conference
The Pickering Graduate Fellowship is a program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State in which they can help formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy. The Pickering Program selects outstanding Pickering Fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide process and supports them through two years of graduate study, internships, mentoring, and professional development activities.
Eligibility: US Citizen; undergraduate student, graduate student, or alumni; minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA
When is the national deadline? Early September – for graduate programs beginning the following fall semester
When should you come see us? By the beginning of June
What is the application timeline? Students will begin working on drafts of application essays three to five months before the national deadline (after our initial appointment). Students often move at their own pace in the drafting process, getting through as many drafts as they feel comfortable with from June through the national deadline. Applicants submit the names of two recommendation letter writers in early June when they declare their intent to apply, and drafts of the letters will be due for feedback in mid-August.
ONS Contact: nationalscholarships@usf.edu
The Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Institutes seek high-potential undergraduate students from universities across the country to participate in an intensive seven-week Junior Summer Institute (JSI) before their senior year. During their program, fellows are equipped with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in graduate school and ultimately, in influential roles serving the public good. The goal of the JSI is to help students achieve a master’s or joint degree, typically in public policy, public administration, international affairs, or a related field.
Eligibility: US Citizen, legal permanent resident, or DACA status; undergraduate with expected graduation within 12 months of completing the summer institute. International students are eligible for select JSI programs.
When is the national deadline? Early November
When should you come see us? August/Early September
What is the application timeline? Students will begin working on first drafts of application essays one to two months before the national deadline (after our initial appointment). Students often move at their own pace in the drafting process, getting through as many drafts as they feel comfortable from August through the national deadline. Applicants submit the name of two recommendation letter writers in early September when they declare their intent to apply, and drafts of the letters will be due for feedback in mid-October.
ONS Contact: nationalscholarships@usf.edu
The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State in which they can help formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy. The Rangel Program selects outstanding Rangel Fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide process and supports them through two years of graduate study, internships, mentoring, and professional development activities.
Eligibility: US Citizen; undergraduate student, graduate student, or alumni; minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA
When is the national deadline? Early September – for graduate programs beginning the following fall semester
When should you come see us? By the beginning of June
What is the application timeline? Students will begin working on drafts of application essays three to five months before the national deadline (after our initial appointment). Students often move at their own pace in the drafting process, getting through as many drafts as they feel comfortable with from June through the national deadline. Applicants submit the names of two recommendation letter writers in early June when they declare their intent to apply, and drafts of the letters will be due for feedback in mid-August.
ONS Contact: nationalscholarships@usf.edu
The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program is a six-week summer program designed to provide undergraduate students with a greater understanding of current trends and career opportunities in international affairs. This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service. Students attend classes and participate in a variety of programs with foreign affairs professionals in Washington, DC.
Eligibility: US Citizen; full-time undergraduate students, with at least sophomore status; minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA
When is the national deadline? Early February
When should you come see us? October
What is the application timeline? Students will begin working on first drafts of application essays three to five months before the national deadline (after our initial appointment). Students often move at their own pace in the drafting process, getting through as many drafts as they feel comfortable from October through January. Applicants submit the names three recommendation letter writers in early October when they declare their intent to apply, and drafts of the letters will be due for feedback in early December
ONS Contact: nationalscholarships@usf.edu
Schwarzman Scholars is a highly selective, fully-funded one-year master's program at Tsinghua University in Beijing that is designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders for the challenges of the future. Whether in politics, business or science, the success of future leaders around the world will depend upon an understanding of China's role in global trends. Applicants from USF must be nominated to apply in spring prior to the application deadline.
Eligibility: Rising undergraduate seniors, graduate students, and alumni (any degree in progress must be completed by the start of the program); at least 18 but not yet 29 years of age as of August 1 of their Schwarzman Scholars enrollment year; no citizenship or nationality requirements
When is the national deadline? Late September
When should you come see us? Spring prior to the national deadline
What is the application timeline? Potential applicants will undergo an extensive internal review process in the spring semester to be nominated to apply for Schwarzman Scholars through USF. Students will work on drafts of application essays throughout the summer, getting through as many drafts as they feel comfortable from spring through the national deadline. Applicants submit the name of three recommendation letter writers in early summer after the nomination process is complete, and drafts of the letters will be due for feedback in mid-August.
ONS Contact: Dr. Sayandeb Basu, sayandeb@honors.usf.edu
The Truman Scholarship recognizes future "change agents." They have the passion, intellect, and leadership potential that in time should enable them to improve the ways that public entities - be they government agencies, nonprofit organizations, public and private educational institutions, or advocacy organizations - serve the public good. Eligible applicants are university students with junior-level academic standing and who wish to attend professional or graduate school to prepare for careers in government or the nonprofit and advocacy sectors where they will improve the ways these institutions work. Applicants from USF must be nominated to apply in spring of their sophomore year.
Eligibility: US Citizen; rising third year student
When is the national deadline? Early February
When should you come see us? Spring of second year
What is the application timeline? Potential candidates are nominated in the spring of their second year and undergo an extensive internal review process to be endorsed to apply for the Truman Scholarship through USF. The following summer and fall semester, applicants undergo a structured process of drafting application essays, learning about public policy, and other professional development. In early fall, applicants submit the names of three recommendation letter writers and drafts of the letters will be due for feedback in early November.
ONS Contact: Dr. Sayandeb Basu, sayandeb@honors.usf.edu
The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors who demonstrate leadership, activities in public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment.
Eligibility: Be a sophomore or junior in good academic standing with a track record of advocacy and experience in public policy, community engaged work, leadership, and/or research focused on the environment, tribal policy and/or the health care of the Native American nations. Individuals who work on issues related to Native American nations must be an enrolled member or a descendant in first or second degree of an enrolled member of a state or federally recognized Indian tribe or band, including any tribe or band terminated since 1940.
You should answer “yes” to these questions:
- Are you working towards positive solutions to environmental challenges or to issues impacting Indian country?
- Have you demonstrated your commitment to one of these areas through public service? Do you inspire and motivate others to take action? Are you committed to making a difference through civility and consensus building?
When is the national deadline? Early March
When should you come see us? First and second year students should meet with us in the spring semester (approximately one year before applying). Students must participate in the pre-application process the spring before the deadline.
What is the application timeline? Potential candidates are nominated in the spring of their first or second year and undergo an extensive internal review process to be endorsed to apply for the Udall Scholarship through USF. The following summer and fall semesters, applicants undergo a structured process of drafting application essays, learning about public policy, and other professional development. In early fall, applicants submit the names of three recommendation letter writers and drafts of the letters will be due for feedback in early November.
ONS Contact: Dr. Sayandeb Basu, sayandeb@honors.usf.edu
https://www.udall.gov/OurPrograms/Scholarship/Scholarship.aspx