Washington (December 17, 2024) — The William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security (Clarke DS) Fellowship is pleased to announce a new partnership agreement with the the Penn State School of International Affairs (Penn State SIA).

The financial partnership allows Clarke DS Fellows to pursue a Master of International Affairs at Penn State SIA with full funding and receive additional funding for living expenses.

Benefits for Clarke DS Fellows enrolling in the Penn State SIA Master of International Affairs include:

  • Waived application fee
  • Scholarship to cover the difference between the cost of tuition at Penn State SIA and the Clarke DS Fellowship tuition assistance
  • Funding for living expenses during the four semesters of graduate study to cover amounts above the Clarke DS Fellowship academic funding

“Penn State’s School of International Affairs is excited to partner with the Clarke DS Fellowship and to participate in educating the next generation of Diplomatic Security Service Special Agents in global affairs,” says Mitchell P. Smith, Director of the Penn State School of International Affairs. “We know that Clarke DS Fellows are superb students who will benefit from the strengths of our program and who will in turn enrich our globally engaged community.”

The Clarke DS Fellowship, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC), is a unique diversity recruitment program. It provides academic funding for a two-year master’s degree program while preparing fellows to enter the Foreign Service as Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agents.

“The Clarke DS Fellowship is designed to attract candidates to the Diplomatic Security Service who represent the diversity of the United States and have financial need,” says Shannan Spisak, Executive Director of Federal Initiatives for The Washington Center. “This generous support from Penn State SIA will allow Clarke DS Fellows to enroll in a world-class master’s degree program they otherwise could not afford. The additional funding to cover living expenses is a substantial benefit for fellows.”

The Clarke DS Fellowship provides:

  • Up to $24,000 annually for tuition for a two-year, full-time master’s degree program.
  • Up to $18,000 annually during the two years of graduate study for room and board, books/laboratory fees, and other academic expenses, and travel between your residence and graduate school.
  • Two summer practicums (with stipends, housing, and travel allowances): one in Washington, D.C. with the Diplomatic Security Service, and one overseas at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • Personalized mentoring and professional development opportunities throughout the program.

Upon successfully completing the fellowship program and meeting Foreign Service entry requirements, Clarke DS Fellows will enter the Foreign Service as a DSS Special Agent.

DSS Special Agents are sworn federal law enforcement officers, responsible for the security of personnel, property, and sensitive information worldwide.

For more information about eligibility, benefits, and the application process, visit clarkedsfellowship.org.

Download the PDF for the Penn State SIA partnership.

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About The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars

The Washington Center creates flexible, immersive pathways to enhance the pipeline of diverse talent that build more equitable, inclusive workplaces and communities. Since our founding, we’ve helped more than 60,000 young people translate their college majors into career paths. We use our scale and expertise to customize each learner’s experience to be truly transformative.

About Penn State SIA

Penn State SIA provides an innovative education for the next generation of global leaders through its professional, hands-on and interdisciplinary Master of International Affairs degree program. Its faculty includes internationally recognized scholars and seasoned former officials who focus on practical, experiential learning to equip students with the knowledge, skills and global perspective to make a difference in the world. SIA graduates shape policies, drive innovation and foster understanding across cultures. Learn more at sia.psu.edu.