National Bureau of Asian Research: Undergraduate Diversity Fellowship 

Deadline: March 12, 2023 at 11:59 pm ET

NBR is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the third class of Undergraduate Diversity Fellows. The Undergraduate Diversity Fellowship offers paid, four-month summer fellowships to extend educational, professional, and mentorship opportunities to Black and brown students who are community college students, freshman, sophomore, or juniors in college. Learn more about the program and apply now

The Undergraduate Diversity Fellowship at the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) offers paid, four-month summer fellowships to extend educational, professional, and mentorship opportunities to Black and brown students who are community college students, freshman, sophomore, or juniors in college. Qualified applicants will be interested in learning more about Asia and in pursuing careers in international affairs or U.S. foreign policy.

NBR acknowledges the historical exclusion and underrepresentation of minorities and Black and brown professionals within U.S. foreign policy at all levels and is committed to opening the door to minority voices and perspectives in policy. Through the Undergraduate Diversity Fellowship Program, NBR hopes to begin closing the accessibility gap in the field of international affairs and to continue to shape the next generation of bright, diverse leaders.

This opportunity allows fellows to expand their networks and develop skills in research, event planning, publications, and general office and project management support through direct professional experience. You can learn more at the Undergraduate Diversity Fellowship website.

Qualified applicants will be interested in learning more about Asia and in pursuing careers in international affairs or U.S. foreign policy.

Fellowship Components:

ORIENTATION MONTH (REMOTE)

Starting in May, fellows will work remotely 5-10 hours a week prior to their 10-12-week summer internship in NBR’s D.C. office. Fellows will become acquainted with NBR, get to know their supervisors and other colleagues, set goals, and attend NBR events. This training period will allow for supervisors to provide a well-rounded mentoring experience for their fellows before and after their internship. Fellows will learn about NBR and the think tank industry, be introduced to the different teams at NBR, and become familiar with NBR projects.

Team Assignment and Role (In-Person):

From June, Undergraduate Diversity fellows will work primarily with one of the existing program teams at NBR. Team assignments will be based on NBR team needs, although candidate preference will be taken into consideration.

Throughout the fellowship, fellows will gain experience in project management, research, writing, and editing in order to build skills for future careers in policy. Fellows will assist with project activities, publications support, database administration, event planning, and general office support. NBR supervisors and mentors will facilitate external event attendance and networking opportunities in the D.C. policy community where possible.

NBR program teams include:

Fellowship Eligibility:

Qualified applicants for the Undergraduate Diversity Fellowship will:

  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
  • Be a community college student, freshman, sophomore, or junior in college with an interest in Asia and U.S. foreign policy.

Application Process:

Completed applications are due on March 12, 2023.

A selection committee will review applications, with awards for the third class of fellows announced by mid-April, 2023. Fellows will begin their internship remotely in May and join NBR’s D.C. office for the in-person portion of their fellowship from June through August (depending on academic calendars).

Required Materials:

To be considered for a fellowship, an applicant must submit the following materials through NBR’s application website:

  • An unofficial transcript from your current academic institution.
  • A letter of recommendation from a professor or academic supervisor sent directly to NBR Project Manager Dylan Plung at dplung@nbr.org.
  • A letter of recommendation from someone who can discuss your personal qualities and potential sent directly to NBR Project Manager Dylan Plung at dplung@nbr.org.

Three required essay questions of no more than 250 words each:

  • What does this diversity fellowship personally mean to you? How would it help you succeed in school and in your career?
  • How did you get interested in Asia and foreign policy, and which topics interest you the most?
  • How has your involvement in community activities and educational, life, and/or work experience contributed to your personal growth?

Answers to supplemental questions:

  • Will you be able to be physically located in Washington, D.C., June through August 2023?
  • Do you have any relevant work, volunteer, internship, or fellowship experiences? Please list any applicable organization, dates, and responsibilities.

Contact:

For any questions, please reach out to fellowships@nbr.org.