Foreign Agricultural Service Opens Applications for New Fellowship Program
Posted on June 1, 2022
Position Title
FAS Diversity Fellow
Job Description
The Foreign Agricultural Service has launched a pathbreaking initiative to bring diversity to its ranks.
The Foreign Agricultural Service Diversity Fellowship Program (FDFP) is a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that identifies and prepares individuals interested in careers in USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service. Those who successfully complete the program enter into the FAS Foreign Service, a uniquely rewarding career of international service. The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in USDA and those with financial need. It is open to students and alumni of all universities and with any major. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in U.S. engagement with the world, the program values candidates representing a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, social, and geographic diversity.
The FAS Diversity Fellowship Program will provide graduate fellowships to qualified individuals who will attend two-year graduate programs in Agribusiness or Agricultural Economics at U.S. universities, provide two summer internships – one domestic and one overseas, offer mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer, and provide professional development activities.
The program ensures that the Foreign Service reflects the face of America to foreign audiences and provides a source of trained women and men who are dedicated to pursuing Foreign Service careers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
The FDFP will recruit outstanding candidates from across the country and include the following:
- Funding up to $42,000 per year to attend two-year graduate programs in agribusiness or agricultural economics at U.S. universities.
- Two summer internships, one domestic and one overseas, at a U.S. embassy/consulate.
- Mentoring from a Foreign Service officer.
- Professional development activities to prepare individuals for their Foreign Service careers.
- Pathway to employment in the Foreign Agricultural Service for those who complete the program and FAS requirements, with a five-year obligation.
For more information and to apply please visit here.