THE FELLOWSHIP
      

The College of William and Mary established the Pamela Harriman Foreign Service Fellowships to inspire the best of a new generation to pursue careers in public service.  The Awards are offered annually to three outstanding undergraduates from across the nation.  Each student will be given the opportunity to spend a summer in a professional position with the United Stats Department of State.

The three fellowship posts pay tribute to chapters of the Ambassador's life:

• The Embassy in London, in the country of her birth;
  
• The Embassy in Paris, where she served as Ambassador to France;
  
• The Office of the Secretary of State in Washington, D.C., in the country she served with great distinction.
  

The Harriman Fellowship Program is nationally competitive and highly selective.  Offering an eleven-week service opportunity, as well as a $5,000 stipend for travel and living expenses.  While one fellowship is reserved for a student at The College of William and Mary, the other two fellowships are open to eligible juniors and seniors throughout the United States.

Ambassador Harriman set a standard that the Harriman Fellowships now challenge young Americans to meet.  United States Ambassador to Japan and Former Speaker of the House Thomas Foley said of her, "She made a great contribution to public life by her example, energy and devotion, and her belief in the honor of work for one's country."

APPLICATION PROCESS

Fellowship applications are distributed to colleges and universities across the country in August of each year, with a November application deadline.  Upon submission, The Department of State makes an evaluation on the basis of the application, statement of interest, transcripts, foreign language ability when applicable, and completed academic studies relevant to the type of work each applicant hopes to perform.  

The Department of State forwards the list of qualifying candidates to The College of William and Mary.  The College collaborates with the Harriman Fellowship Advisory Committee to review the pool of candidates.  Approximately nine finalists, chosen upon completion of a security clearance, are interviewed by the selection committee in Washington, D.C., and notified of the committee's decision soon thereafter.  Three Harriman Fellows commence their eleven weeks of service in either May or June.

Upon completion of their service, Fellows are required to prepare a summary report to the Chair of the Harriman Fellowship Advisory Committee.  In order to promote a deeper understanding of international relations, Fellows are additionally required to deliver a presentation to their college about their service experiences.

Further information is available at: http://www.wm.edu/harriman/