The U.S. Department of State has launched a new two-year graduate fellowship program, the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship, that leads to an exciting career in the Foreign Service as a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent.

This unique fellowship program is designed for individuals planning to enter a master’s degree program starting in fall 2023 and who are interested in a career as a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent in the Foreign Service. DSS Special Agents are sworn federal law enforcement officers, responsible for the security of Foreign Service personnel, property, and sensitive information around the world.

This fellowship aims to attract qualified candidates to the Diplomatic Security Service who represent ethnic, racial, gender, social, and geographic diversity. Women, members of minority groups underrepresented in the Foreign Service, and those with financial need, are encouraged to apply.

The application for the Clarke DS Fellowship is open October 3, 2022, through November 30, 2022. Read on to find out more about the benefits and eligibility requirements.

What are the Benefits of the Clarke DS Fellowship?

The Clarke DS Fellowship provides up to $42,000 annually for two years for academic funding (tuition, room and board, books/lab fees, other academic expenses, and some travel), two summer practicums with stipend support, personalized mentoring, and professional development.

Upon successful completion of the fellowship program and Foreign Service entry requirements, fellows receive an appointment as a Foreign Service DSS Special Agent – and launch an exciting career at the forefront of law enforcement and international affairs.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

To apply for the Clarke DS Fellowship 2023 cohort, individuals:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 19 years old and no older than 33 years old (except for preference-eligible veterans).
• Be seeking admission to a two-year full-time master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution (starting fall 2023).
• Be on a timeline to graduate with master’s degree after attending four full-time (fall and spring) semesters during your two years of the fellowship (2023-2025).
• Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of application and maintain this GPA throughout the program.
• Be able to pass the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) if selected as a finalist for the fellowship.

There are also requirements that individuals selected as a Clarke DS Fellow must meet. Plus, there are additional requirements for DSS Special Agents. You can find all of the requirements on the webpage here.

What Does a DSS Special Agent Do?

DSS Special Agents:

• Protect the U.S. Secretary of State and visiting foreign dignitaries, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations.
• Travel the world while leading and managing security programs to protect Foreign Service personnel, property and information against foreign intelligence, criminal and terrorist activities.
• Have the unique opportunity to engage in diplomacy and make a positive impact worldwide – all while developing yourself personally and professionally.
• Experience daily the challenge and excitement of a career at the forefront of law enforcement and international affairs.

Check out the website today to learn more! 

Please share this with students and other individuals you know who would be interested in this exciting opportunity.

Here are the new Clarke DS Fellowship social media channels below. Please like and follow us to stay up to date on any webinar offerings and other announcements!

• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClarkeDSFellows
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarkedsfellows
• LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clarkedsfellowship
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarkedsfellowship/