U.S. Department of State Opens Application for 2027 Cohort of William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security Fellowship

Two-year fellowship provides academic funding and prepares fellows to enter the Foreign Service as Diplomatic Security Service Special Agents.

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, October 19, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The U.S. Department of State is now accepting applications for the 2027 cohort of the William D. Clarke, Sr. Diplomatic Security (Clarke DS) Fellowship.

This two-year fellowship program provides academic funding for the last two years of a bachelor’s degree program or a two-year master’s degree program and prepares fellows for careers as Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agents in the Foreign Service.

Funded by the Department of State and administered by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC), the Clarke DS Fellowship was developed to attract highly talented and qualified candidates to the Foreign Service.

“The Clarke DS Fellowship represents a unique opportunity for individuals who have a passion for public service and protecting U.S. diplomacy around the world,” says Kim Churches, president of TWC. “We’re excited to partner with the U.S. Department of State on its goal to recruit qualified candidates for the fourth cohort of this esteemed fellowship program.”

The application for the Clarke DS Fellowship 2027 cohort is open Oct. 13, 2026, to Nov. 30, 2026, 11:59 pm (ET). Applicants must be entering the final two years of a full-time bachelor’s degree, or the first year of a two-year full-time master’s degree, in fall 2027.

The Clarke DS Fellowship provides:

• Up to $24,000 per academic year for tuition for the last two years of a full-time bachelor’s degree program or a two-year full-time master’s degree program. (See Eligibility Requirements).
• Up to $18,000 for each of the two years of undergraduate or graduate study to help cover non-tuition related expenses, including room and board, books/laboratory fees, and travel between the fellow’s residence and 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 successful completion of the fellowship program and Foreign Service entry requirements, fellows receive an appointment as a Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Special Agent. Fellows agree to a three-year commitment as a Foreign Service DSS Special Agent. Once appointed, DSS Special Agents are required to complete a rigorous training program.

More information about eligibility requirements, benefits, and how to apply can be found at https://clarkedsfellowship.org/.

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About the Diplomatic Security Service
The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) has the largest global presence of any U.S. law enforcement organization, operating at more than 270 U.S. diplomatic posts in over 170 countries, and in 30+ U.S. cities. DSS leads worldwide security and law enforcement efforts to advance U.S. foreign policy, safeguard national security interests, and investigate transnational crimes. For media queries, please contact DS-Press@state.gov.

About the U.S. Department of State
The Department of State’s mission is to protect and promote U.S. security, prosperity, and democratic values and shape an international environment in which all Americans can thrive. The Department’s workforce includes some 11,000 members of the Foreign Service, 6,000 Civil Service employees, and 45,000 locally employed staff at roughly 270 diplomatic missions worldwide.

About The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC) is an independent nonprofit that has helped more than 70,000 students translate their education into careers through immersive internships, academic programming, and professional development. TWC administers federal fellowship programs that prepare students for careers in public service.

Allie Miyazaki
The Washington Center
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