Before you apply for the Clarke DS Fellowship, be sure to read the information about the Physical Readiness Test (PRT). You will be required to pass the PRT if you are selected as a finalist for this fellowship program. Only finalists who pass the PRT test can be considered to advance in the selection process.
Because Clarke DS Fellows must be prepared to enter the Foreign Service as DSS Special Agents at the end of their fellowship program, physical readiness is crucial. DSS Special Agents must perform duties in the field that are physically and mentally demanding. They must be willing and able to meet these physical demands in high-stress, high threat environments. Clarke DS Fellow finalists must be fit for strenuous physical exertion and pass a Diplomatic Security Service proctored physical readiness test. Once you become a fellow, you will be required to maintain the physical fitness standards so you can pass the PRT prior to onboarding as a DSS Special Agent at the end of your fellowship. The PRT is the same test that is given to active-duty special agents.
Please note that the PRT standards may change in the future, and you will be required to pass the PRT that is current at the time that you are tested.
Additional Benefits
As a member of the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service, DSS Special Agents are eligible for:
- Education and training opportunities to learn new skills such as foreign languages, protective security operations, criminal law and investigations, security management, and U.S. embassy operations.
- Generous federal benefits, including a federal retirement plan, vacation and sick leave, and life and health insurance.
- Special pay and incentives related to law enforcement status and overseas assignments, such as, 25% Law Enforcement Availability Pay, danger pay, moving expenses, rest and recuperation leave, paid housing or a housing allowance, and paid education for dependent children (K-12).
Plus, this career presents unique opportunities to make a positive impact while experiencing new cultures.
Eligibility Requirements to Apply for the Clarke DS Fellowship
The Clarke DS Fellowship is designed as a two-year cohort model. Applications for the 2024 cohort are being accepted July 18, 2023 to October 1, 2023 at 11:59 pm (EDT)
Fellows selected for the 2024 cohort will begin their two-year fellowship in fall 2024 (and entering the first semester of a master’s degree program) and will complete the fellowship in summer 2026.
To be eligible to apply for the 2024 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 (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.
- 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.
- Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of application and maintain this GPA throughout the program.
- Pass the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) if selected as a finalist for the fellowship.
- Have a valid U.S. driver’s license if selected as a finalist for the fellowship.
As a Clarke DS Fellow, you must:
- Meet a minimum medical qualification standard, including supplemental physical qualification standards specific to Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agents; receive and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI); pass a Physical Readiness Test (PRT), and pass a Suitability Review.
- Maintain physical fitness standards to ensure you can pass the final PRT prior to onboarding as a DSS Special Agent.
- Agree to a three-year commitment with the Foreign Service as a DSS Special Agent upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.
- Fulfill the two summer practicum obligations (the first one in the summer after selection, the second one in the summer after your first year of graduate school).
- Maintain your status as a full-time student (fall and spring semesters) in your approved degree program.
- Maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA and stay on the two-year timeline to graduate with your degree.
- Be prepared to enter the Foreign Service as a DSS Special Agent immediately after successful completion of the fellowship program and Foreign Service entry requirements.
Once appointed, DSS Special Agents:
- Are required to successfully pass a rigorous training program, including firearms training.
- Are required to carry a firearm and use it if necessary.
- Are required to take and pass specialized driving training.
Deadline
Apply by April 29, 2024.
APPLY HERE
