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Mentor Connect

Building the Future of the Foreign Service

Each year, the Pickering and Rangel Fellowships invite Foreign Service Officers to serve as mentors to our fellows—exceptional individuals preparing to enter the Foreign Service. This mentorship initiative is a powerful way to give back, share wisdom, and support the professional development of the next generation of U.S. diplomats.

Why Mentorship Matters

Mentorship is a cornerstone of a successful Foreign Service career. By connecting fellows with experienced FSOs and program alumni, we aim to build lasting professional relationships that:

  • Provide insight into the transition from fellowship to full-time service.
  • Help fellows navigate early career decisions and challenges
  • Foster a deeper understanding of the Foreign Service and its career tracks
  • Cultivate a sense of community and belonging within the Department.

Process

1. Register

Click on the "Register" link and complete and submit the registration form.

2. Login

Login to the program with your email and password.

3. Sign-Up

Complete the sign-up form. Once submitted, the admin team will match you with a mentee or mentor, and you can begin your engagement.

If you require assistance or additional information, please contact the Program Administrator.

Types of Mentors

We offer two distinct mentorship pathways, both of which play a critical role in supporting fellows:

1. Alumni Mentors

  • Pickering and Rangel Fellowship alumni who can share their own journeys through the fellowship experience, onboarding process, and early assignments.
  • Alumni mentors help fellows understand the transition and build confidence in those critical first years.

2. Career Mentors

  • Current FSOs who provide guidance aligned with specific functional cones and career tracks.
  • Career mentors help fellows gain deeper insights into the structure, expectations, and opportunities within their intended career paths.

Become a Mentor

Mentorship goes beyond answering questions—it’s about shaping careers, fostering leadership, and paying it forward. Whether you’re an alum eager to support the next cohort or an FSO looking to give back, your involvement makes a difference.

Thank you for investing your time and experience in the future of diplomacy. Your mentorship helps fellows thrive and strengthens the Foreign Service as a whole.

Key Dates

Application Open:
June 6, 2025
Application Close:
March 15, 2026

Contact Us

Howard University
1805 7th Street NW, 7th Floor
Washington, DC
Phone: 202 806-4367
Email:   rangelprogram@howard.edu
Howard University
Copyright  2026 Howard University  All rights reserved.
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