The Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship Program seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people who desire careers in the USAID Foreign Service. Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development and managed by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University, these Fellowships prepare students to enter exciting and rewarding careers in international development as USAID Foreign Service Officers. The Payne Program encourages the involvement of members of minority groups and those with financial need. This program is named in honor of the late Congressman Donald M. Payne because of his long history of service to the nation and the world in promoting international development. Payne Fellows will represent the excellence and diversity of America and advance USAID’s commitment to creating a more secure, healthy and prosperous world through engagement in international development work. USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah announced the Payne Fellowship at Howard University on October 15, 2012, stating “This new fellowship will help USAID to attract and support a diverse group of talented young people who are dedicated to public service and international development.” The Payne Fellowship provides significant benefits. The Fellows receive up to $45,000 annually in assistance for tuition, room, board and other related expenses for a two-year master’s degree in international development or a related topic, as well as support for internships. They do internships at a USAID Mission overseas and one in Washington DC. Each Fellow is committed to a minimum of three years of service in an appointment as a USAID Foreign Service Officer. Information and application materials for both programs are at www.paynefellows.org. The application deadline is January 27, 2014.
Number of Fellowships Offered: 5
Value of Fellowship: Up to $90,000 over two years for grad school, internships and professional development activities
Eligibility Requirements: U.S. citizenship; GPA of 3.2/4.0; seeking to start two-year relevant grad program in fall 2014
Online Application Opens: October 22, www.paynefellows.org
Application Deadline: January 27, 2014
Finalists Selected: By end of February 2014
Interviews/Fellow Selections: Mid-March 2014
Contact: paynefellows@howard.edu; 202-806-4367, (877) 633-0002; or Tessa Henry, (Tessa.henry@howard.edu) 202-806-5952.
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