FELLOWSHIP TARGETS MINORITIES FOR INT'L AFFAIRS

The United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation (UNCFSP) and its Institute for International Public Policy (IIPP) has introduced a five-year fellowship program aimed at increasing the number of minority college students choosing careers in international affairs.


The fellowship was inspired by the triumphs of Ralph Bunche, a diplomat and political scientist who was a key figure on the world stage when Jim Crow ruled America.


However, more than half a century after Bunche became the first black man to win the Nobel Prize, it’s still uncommon to find people of color in careers impacting the global stage. Few members of minority groups work for humanitarian relief organizations or train to become leaders in international careers, such as banking, policymaking, and education.

Now entering its 14th year, the IIPP has placed almost 300 minority students in over 50 countries across the world to study global issues and gain hands-on experience through a series of activities, such as summer international policy institutes, foreign language instruction, study abroad, internships and funding for a master’s degree in international affairs; each fellowship is valued at nearly $100,000.

IIPP Director, Darryl Crompton, says: “The field of international affairs and public policy has never been more exciting, or more important. We’re helping tomorrow's minority leaders in global affairs to define their goals and acquire the skills they need to achieve them.”

Recently, the IIPP kicked off an initiative to increase the number of applicants currently attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Applications must be submitted no later than March 15th for the program beginning in early June. For more information on the IIPP Fellowship Program and to apply online, please visit www.UNCFSP.org/IIPP.