Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program

Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program

The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program is a six-week summer program designed to provide undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. The Program usually selects participants (known as “Rangel Scholars”) each year from universities throughout the United States. This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Students live at Howard University, attend classes, and participate in a variety of programs with foreign affairs professionals at Howard and at diverse locations around Washington, DC.

The Program has two major components. First, in order to enhance participants’ academic preparation to work in international affairs, the Program provides two courses and a seminar that focuses on enhancing knowledge and skills related to U.S. foreign policy, economics, and writing. In addition, in order to provide greater insight into the foreign policy-making process and international affairs careers, the Rangel Program introduces the participants to a wide range of government and non-government professionals who work on global issues and also arranges visits to various institutions involved in international affairs. The Program also helps students explore graduate school, scholarship, fellowship, internship, and professional options in international affairs.

The Program covers the costs for tuition, travel, housing, and two meals per day. It also provides a stipend of $3,300.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students, with at least sophomore status on the date of the application deadline.
• Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application.
• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen.

SEP Application Opens end of October. The program starts mid of June and goes through July.

Summer Enrichment Program Elements

Academics
The International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program offers the following two courses at Howard University over the six-week period:

• History of U.S. Foreign Relations – This course explores the major events and themes in U.S. foreign relations since the 19th century and identifies the widest possible causes, actors, and effects of foreign relations.
• Political Economy – This course reviews the U.S. economy, introduces terms and tools used in public policy analysis, and discusses current international economic topics, including trade, globalization, and the role of international financial institutions.

Scholars also participate in an intensive, non-credit bearing writing seminar aimed at developing their ability to draft- in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner- a variety of different types of documents needed to pursue professional and academic interests in international affairs.

Outside Activities
Scholars have the chance to meet with a wide range of professionals from government and non-governmental organizations who can talk about diverse international policy issues and career options. In recent years, the Scholars have met with former Secretary of State Rice, the Director General of the Foreign Service, Congressman Rangel, and dozens of other foreign affairs professionals.x

Questions?

Ludmilla Kortchak, Connected Learning Advisor, can assist you with questions: kortchak@uw.edu.