New Policy Fellowship in Honor of Dr. Ronald D. Asmus

By On January 30, 2012 · Leave a Comment · In Economics, Fellowships, International Affairs, Peace & Security, Political Science, Public Policy

The German Marshall Fund of the United States has launched the new Asmus Policy Entrepreneurs Fellowship to support two emerging policy entrepreneurs from the U.S. and Europe. The fellowship is in honor of Ronald D. Asmus, GMF Brussels office executive director and director of strategic planning, who dedicated his life to the principles of freedom and passed away on April 30, 2011.

Applicants must be American or European citizens under the age of 40 who propose a project that they believe will address an important foreign or economic policy issue and will advance transatlantic cooperation. Over the course of the year, Asmus Fellows will utilize existing GMF activities and networks to discuss and consider policy questions and frameworks before proposing a solution. Fellows will also have the opportunity to attend three to four key GMF programs, in some cases as speakers. Each fellowship is worth up to $25,000.

For those interesting in applying, consider how your project will advance the goals and ideals of Dr. Asmus’ work. Dr. Amus was a leading thinker, practitioner and policy entrepreneur working on US-European relations for over two decades.  He served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs from 1997-2000 and was also a senior analyst and fellow at Radio Free Europe, RAND and the Council on Foreign Relations.  Dr. Amus authored many articles and books, and is primarily remembered as someone with an “unshakable belief in the importance of transatlantic cooperation”, who pushed for NATO’s enlargement toward the former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Read here for more information on the fellowship program and application. All applications must be received by February 10th, 2012.

Tagged with: • • • •
 

How to Win a Boren Fellowship

By On December 28, 2011 · Leave a Comment · In Fellowships, International Affairs, Linguistics, Peace & Security, Public Service, Tips

The Boren Awards for International Study, funded by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), provide fellowships of $20K to $30K to provide undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to study the language and culture of countries normally underrepresented in U.S. study abroad programs. It’s an opportunity to learn a less commonly taught language such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, or Swahili, among others. In return, Boren Fellows are expected to work for at least one year in a Federal agency with national security responsibilities, such as the Departments of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the State Department or the CIA. It’s no wonder the Boren Fellowship is a highly competitive award, providing an opportunity for both study abroad and a career in the Federal government.

The key to winning a Boren Fellowship is crafting an application that meets the needs of the program. The NSEP asks applicants to identify how their fellowship project will contribute to U.S. national security goals, as well further your academic and professional growth.  Even though the NSEP has a broad definition of national security, going beyond issues such as terrorism and peacekeeping to include topics such as sustainable development and population growth, it’s imperative that your fellowship essay has a strong focus on an issue that is of critical interest to U.S. national security. First, be well-read on security issues that are in the news: the New York Times and The Economist are a good place to start.

In your essay, specifically discuss how your project will contribute to goals that will make Americans and the homeland safer in the short and long-term. Focusing on a topic in current events can be an advantage, however more obscure security topics may be eye-catching if you know the topic well. Reach out to experts in your proposed topic area who can comment on your essay, including professors, journalists, academics in think tanks, and Federal government employees working in national security. Even though the NESP allows a broad definition for national security, they will more likely choose an applicant with a clearly defined topic that will advance U.S. security interests. For example, if you are studying public health and are proposing a topic such as infectious disease control in developing countries, be sure to find a U.S. hook, such as the impact of the regional insecurity caused by infectious disease on anti-terrorism efforts or the U.S. role in UN peacekeeping.

Also, in your essays, do not forget to discuss what you plan to do in your career after the fellowship and be specific. If you are not sure what you plan to do, choose your ideal path and discuss that goal with confidence that you will reach it. There are not many opportunities like the Boren Fellowship, so discuss how this unique fellowship will help you reach that goal. An applicant with clearly defined career goals is much more likely to secure a fellowship than an applicant who expresses that they are simply exploring options.

The Boren Fellowship deadline is January 31, 2012. If you have any questions about developing a strong essay, please submit a question on the “Ask a Fellow” form the to right and we’ll be happy to answer them!

 

© Victoria Johnson 2011, all rights reserved.

Tagged with: • • • • •
 

CFR Seeking Applicants: 2012-2013 Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship

By On November 16, 2011 · Leave a Comment · In Fellowships, International Affairs, Peace & Security, Public Policy, United States

The Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship Program, made possible by a generous grant from the Stanton Foundation, offers younger scholars studying nuclear security issues the opportunity to spend a period of twelve months at the Council on Foreign Relations’ (CFR) offices in New York or Washington, DC, conducting policy-relevant research.

CFR will award up to three fellowships in 2012. The fellowships will be awarded on the basis of academic and professional accomplishments and promise, and on the merits of the specific research projects proposed. The fellows could work on a wide range of issues, including nuclear terrorism, nuclear proliferation, nuclear weapons, nuclear force posture, and, as it relates to nuclear security, nuclear energy.

It is expected that fellows will begin their fellowship year in summer or fall 2012. While in residence at CFR, fellows will be expected to lead a project of their own design, conduct original research, and write at least one policy relevant document. Fellows are expected and encouraged to participate fully in CFR’s intellectual life. The scholars selected as Stanton Nuclear Security Fellows will be mentored by the fellows of CFR’s David Rockefeller Studies Program.

The program seeks to stimulate the development of the next generation of thought leaders in nuclear security. The program is only open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are eligible to work in the United States. CFR does not sponsor for visas. Candidates must be junior (non-tenured) faculty, post-doctoral fellows, or pre-doctoral candidates from any discipline who are working on a nuclear security related issue.

The duration of the fellowship is twelve months. The program awards a stipend of $100,000 for junior (non-tenured) faculty; $75,000 for post-doctoral; and $50,000 for pre-doctoral fellows. Payment will be made in twelve equal monthly installments. Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR, and are not eligible for employment benefits, including health insurance.

The deadline for the 2012-2013 Stanton Nuclear Security Fellowship has now passed, but please visit CFR’s website for more information about the next deadline and other fellowship opportunities at CFR: www.cfr.org/fellowships.

Tagged with: • •
 

Study Borders Near the Border on an ASU Fellowship

By On November 12, 2011 · Leave a Comment · In Economics, Fellowships, Humanities / Social Sciences, Peace & Security, Political Science, Public Policy, Social Sciences / Liberal Arts

On the theme “Border-to-Border: Mexico-United States-Canada,” $30,000 Comparative Border Studies fellowships will be awarded to post-docs to be in-residence at the School of Transborder Studies on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus for the academic year.

The Comparative Border Studies program at ASU is a unique research initiative designed to bring scholars, artists, and the public together to discuss and debate issues pertaining to geopolitical borders. The heart of Comparative Border Studies will be the events and speaker series that explore a range of topics such as security, immigration, wealth creation and economic development, trade relations, health and environmental management, cultural production, and bicultural/binational education.

Tagged with: • • • •
 

Wounded Warrior Fellowships Employ Disabled Veterans

By On September 9, 2011 · Leave a Comment · In Fellowships, Military, Military Sciences, Peace & Security, Public Policy

Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan face a dismal economy – their unemployment rate stands out at 11%. In response, the Wounded Warriors Program developed a two-year fellowship program to provide 25 wounded or disabled veterans with the opportunity to work in a Congressional district office.

Justin Donato joined the Navy and spent several years as an operations specialist on the guided missile cruiser USS Ticonderoga. His service-related injuries – partial hearing loss, tendinitis in his knees, and torn cartilage in his wrist – made him eligible for the Wounded Warriors Fellowship. As a veterans’ case worker in the Pensacola district office of Rep. Jeff Miller, Donato feels like he is making a difference.

“I can’t relate to a Vietnam vet because I wasn’t there, but what I can do is listen and do what I can to help,” Donato says. “Every case is different.”

The California district office of Rep. Jeff Denham was one of the offices selected to participate in this year’s fellowship program.

“Our region is home to thousands of proud veterans, and I look forward to welcoming another veteran to my staff, ” said Rep. Denham. “Our Veterans are among our countries greatest leaders and it is very important that we do all we can to ensure they have jobs here at home.” Read more.

This program is limited to veterans who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, have a minimum 30 percent service-connected disability rating from the VA and less than 20 years of service.

Tagged with: • •
 

Distinguished Military Fellowship at the Council on Foreign Relations

By On August 15, 2011 · Leave a Comment · In Fellowships, Military Sciences, Peace & Security

Each year, outstanding officers from the Army, Air Force and Navy are nominated for four to five Military Fellowships at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) in New York City. Military Fellows spend a year in residence at CFR’s headquarters to work with CFR members and staff and engage in CFR’s Studies Program. Fellows also have the opportunity to participate in several politico-military trips for CFR members. These fellowships enable officers to broaden their understanding of international affairs and U.S. foreign policy.

One of last year’s Military Fellows, Captain Stacy A. Pedrozo, JAGC of the U.S. Navy, testified before the House of Representatives U.S.-China Economic & Security Review Commission in January on China’s active defense strategy and its regional impact. Another Military Fellow, Colonel Blaine Holt of the U.S. Air Force, is currently authoring a book on the experience of leading airmen in the Kyrgyz Republic.

Five new Military Fellows are joining CFR this year. Former Defense Secretary Frank Carlucci chaired the 2011-2012 Selection Board.

Tagged with: • •
 

New U.S. State Department Fellowship for Young Leaders from Abroad

By On August 13, 2011 · Leave a Comment · In Fellowships, International Affairs, International Develoment, Non-profit, Peace & Security, Philanthropy, Public Service, Social Entrepreneurship, Women's Studies

The U.S. State Department just launched a new fellowship program for young leaders from abroad, aged 25-38, to spend 4 months in the U.S. working at community-based organizations and government agencies. The goal of the Community Solutions Program fellowship is to help these young leaders gain experience and new skills they can use in their own countries.

One of the incoming Fellows, Thomas Julo Barlue of Liberia, will be working at Peace First, an organization in New York City founded as a response to the sky-rocketing youth homicide rates in the early 1990s. Thomas writes:

“During my stay in New York, I will be focusing on critical conflict resolution skills and how to develop projects that improve communities and instill a sense of civic engagement, in schools and among young people.” Read more.

66 young leaders from 21 countries will come the U.S. on August 16 for an orientation in Washington, DC. In addition to spending 4 months at a community-based organization, the Fellows take part weekly in an online leadership institute. The Fellows work in the fields of transparency and accountability, tolerance and conflict resolution, environmental issues and women’s issues. Read the full article here.

 

Tagged with: • • •