Rangel Fellowship Finalist

Rangel finalist Ms. Joy Woods is no stranger to applying for competitive fellowships. Woods was chosen as a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship and Freeman-Asia recipient for her year-long study abroad program in Japan, and as a 2021 Critical Language Scholarship recipient for intensive Japanese language study. 

“I decided to apply for the Rangel because of my interest in working in the Foreign Service,” explains Woods. “I was so excited to be chosen as a finalist because I didn’t actually believe that it was something I could accomplish, even with the support of my friends, family, and mentors”.

The Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program is a fellowship administered by Howard University that aims to prepare the next generation of Foreign Service Officers, focusing on diversifying the ranks of U.S foreign policymakers. The fellowship offers full funding for a masters program at a U.S. university, two summer internship opportunities, and provides a direct path into the U.S. Foreign Service.

Woods will have her interview on December 1 and will know soon after if she has received the award. Regardless of the outcome, she has a clear plan for her future. “While I know I’ll go into the Foreign Service, I also want to get a PhD one day and teach Political Science and hopefully inspire other young women of color to do the same.”