U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot Fellowship Program
ID: 358053Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

International Trade Administration (DOC-ITA)

Award Range

$0 - $545K

Eligible Applicants

Private Institutions of Higher Education

Funding Category

Business and Commerce

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/358053
Timeline
    Description

    The International Trade Administration (ITA) is offering a competitive funding opportunity through the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot Fellowship Program, aimed at enhancing awareness of the Foreign Commercial Service among graduate students. This program seeks to attract diverse talent and facilitate pathways to careers within the ITA by providing selected fellows with up to eight-week overseas internships at U.S. embassies, along with a mandatory one-week orientation and training in June 2026. Eligible applicants include private institutions of higher education, with a funding ceiling of $545,000 for the cooperative agreement, and the application deadline is set for March 6, 2025. Interested institutions can reach out to Misty Roosa at nofo@nist.gov for further information.

    Point(s) of Contact
    nofo@nist.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    ITA-GMX-GTM-2025-00001.pdf
    The Department of Commerce (DOC) International Trade Administration (ITA) announces a competitive funding opportunity (NOFO) for the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot Fellowship Program. The program aims to enhance awareness of the Foreign Commercial Service among graduate students and facilitate a pathway to careers within the ITA. The funding ceiling is $545,000 for a cooperative agreement, supporting the selection of up to seven fellows who will undertake overseas internships at U.S. embassies. Eligible applicants include U.S.-accredited higher education institutions with HR experience and familiarity with federal educational programs. Key goals of the fellowship are to attract diverse talent, increase knowledge about the Foreign Commercial Service, and foster interest among minority students. The application process requires submission by March 6, 2025, with a clear structure outlined for eligible institutions, including budgets, program plans, and recruitment strategies. The fellowship will encompass a summer orientation for fellows, financial assistance for program-related expenses, and mentoring throughout the experience. The award emphasizes the importance of tracking and reporting on the program's effectiveness and achieving its objectives via a collaborative approach between the recipient institution and ITA.
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