Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State
The William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship, funded by the U.S. Department of State, is a path to a career in the Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent. If you plan to enter a master’s degree program in fall 2025 and love the idea of pursuing a career protecting diplomacy and making a difference in the world, the Clarke DS Fellowship may be the perfect opportunity for you.
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, DC., one overseas at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- 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 individuals with financial need are encouraged to apply.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 Cohort
The application for the 2025 cohort is open February 12, 2024, to April 29, 2024 (11:59 pm EDT). 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:
- Take the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) as a baseline.
- Have a valid U.S. driver’s license.
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
Apply by April 29, 2024
Contact Us with Questions
We’d love to talk with you and answer your questions. Send us an email at [email protected] let us know your contact info and the best time to reach you.
Learn more at ClarkeDSFellowship.org.
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