OSDFA's Monthly Musings: December Edition!
It's Professional Awards Week over at OSDFA!
Happy December; we hope you had a warm and meaningful Thanksgiving break and are feeling determined to finish out the semester strong! We are nearing the end of the year, and, with that, we’re eager to share some wonderful updates and opportunities from our corner of campus.
Professional Awards Week
As we close out the semester, we’re kicking off December by highlighting award opportunities available to applicants looking to gain professional experience, either while continuing study OR as a postgraduate award. On Wednesday, December 4th, we are promoting 2 organizations’ information sessions/events: FAO Schwarz (at 3pm) and Scoville Peace Fellowship (at 6pm). More on these fellowships—and others—in our ‘Featured Awards’ section below!
As part of Professional Awards Week, we are also showcasing some of our alumni who have participated in various professional fellowships, including a guest blog post by Adam Soliman a 2022-2023 Coro Fellow, and testimonials by Syd Johnson, a 2023 Congressional Black Caucus Fellow, Nitan Shanas, a 2021-2022 Bill Emerson Hunger Fellow, and Tania Martinez, a 2022 NYC Urban Fellow. Find these, and more, on our Instagram in the coming days!
OSDFA in the World
On November 21st, OSDFA welcomed representatives from Fulbright Taiwan to speak to us and our campus partners about their initiatives! We learned details about their Fulbright Scholarship Programs (including RU students to Taiwan AND Taiwan students to RU), along with their self-initiated programs to enable students in US universities to study abroad in Taiwan for 10 days up to a whole semester. We are incredibly thankful for our connections across the globe and look forward to future collaborations!
This week, our Director Laura Collins is back in NYC for a 3-day intensive training with the Fulbright US Student Program. Laura was selected from a pool of applicants and named a Fulbright Program Advisor (FPA) Mentor for 2024-2026. In this role, Laura will support other new FPA’s and will attend workshops and other events representing Fulbright and Rutgers University – Camden.
Featured Awards during Professional Awards Week
In honor of Professional Awards Week, please consider applying for these opportunities:
FAO Schwarz Fellowship: An intensive, transformative two-year experience designed for new college graduates interested in social impact leadership careers. Fellows will be placed at high-impact nonprofit organizations in Boston, New York City, and Philadelphia. Applications are due February 1, 2025. (Join OSDFA on 12/4/2024 at 3pm for FAO Schwarz’ virtual live event/info session!)
Scoville Peace Fellowship: A fellowship aimed at creating the next generation of scholars, activists, and practitioners in international peace and security. Fellows will be placed in DC think tanks and advocacy groups to build expterise and resolve global conflicts. Applications are due January 6, 2025 for the Fall 2025 semester that will begin between July 15 and October 1, 2025. (Join OSDFA on 12/4/2024 at 6pm for Scoville’s virtual info session!)
Govern for America: A two-year program that propels emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds into key positions in government to address our nation’s biggest challenges. Fellows will receive intensive training, responsive mentorship, and support from community doing inspiring work around the country. Fellows are placed in full-time, paid government jobs in the Northeast, West and Midwest. Applications are due January 12, 2025.
Luce Scholars Program: A yearlong leadership development fellowship that provides emerging leaders with immersive professional experiences in Asia, equipping them with knowledge and skills to address global leadership challenges and build a more interconnected world. Applications open April 29th each year and remain open until October 1.
US Department of State Student Internship Program (SIP): Paid internship with the opportunity to work in U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world, as well as in various bureaus located in Washington, D.C. and at Department offices around the United States. This program is designed to provide substantive learning experiences in a foreign affairs environment. Students can work in one of the many offices which make up the respective geographic or functional bureaus. There are also opportunities offered at U.S. embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions abroad. Look for updates in the New Year 2025 for SIP future program cycles.
Project Horseshoe Farm Community Health Fellowship: A yearlong immersion in volunteer service and learning. Fellows enhance their understanding of the intricate relational and humanistic aspects of service. They experience and learn a way of engaging, navigating, and working effectively with local communities and local institutions. They develop and hone important leadership and teamwork skills. Finally, they gain a practical appreciation of how their efforts and sacrifice contribute to the health and quality of life of our vulnerable neighbors and to a broader framework of community health. Applications for the 2025-2026 Horseshoe Farm Fellowship Class are due by March 2, 2025.
You can learn more about these awards, and others, by joining our Canvas course page; reach out to OSDFA to be added.
Looking Ahead to Spring 2025
This spring, we’ll be doing themed weeks, just as we did this fall, with themes such as “SAS/OSDFA Goes Grad,” “Fulbright Week,” “Research Week,” culminating in our 3rd annual “You Hit Submit!” event on April 16th for any of our Rutgers-Camden fellowship applicants!
We also look forward to guiding you as you apply for more amazing opportunities this spring, including:
International/Language Awards:
Gilman Scholarship (2nd cycle!)
STEM/Research:
Public Service/Policy/Foreign Affairs:
Keep an eye out on our Instagram for an updated Spring 2025 Awards Calendar to get a better sense of timelines for each of these applications.
In the meantime, OSDFA wishes you luck as you prepare to take your final exams. Our staff remain available until the university closes for winter holiday (Dec 25 – Jan 1) and we’ll be back January 2nd. Appointments remain available in Navigate, and we’d love to continue to support you now & in the new year!