The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot Fellowship Program targets graduate students interested in increasing the level of knowledge and awareness of and employment with the Foreign Service, consistent with 22 U.S.C. 3905. The Program develops a source of trained individuals, from academic disciplines representing the skill needs of the Department, who are dedicated to representing the United States' commercial interests abroad.

(a) Eligibility. Eligibility criteria will be determined by the Department of Commerce and publicized nationwide. Fellows must be United States citizens.

(b) Provisions. The amount awarded to each individual student shall not exceed $35,000.00 for the total amount of time the student is in the Program. Continued eligibility for participation is contingent upon the Fellow's ability to meet the educational requirements set forth below.

(c) Program requirements. (1) Participation in the Program is conditional upon successful completion of pre-employment processing specified by the Department of Commerce, including background investigation, medical examination, and drug testing.

(2) As a condition of participation, fellows are required to complete prescribed coursework.

(3) As a condition of participation, foreign travel is required for all Fellows.

(4) Fellows are required to accept employment, if offered, with the Department of Commerce U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service upon successful completion of the Program and, if applicable, Foreign Service entry requirements.

(5) If offered employment, Fellows must commit to a two-year service agreement.

(6) Additional Program requirements may be determined annually by the Department of Commerce and publicized nationwide.

(a) Grants to students. The Department of Commerce may award a competitive grant directly to a student for the purpose of increasing the level of knowledge and awareness of and interest in employment with the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, consistent with 22 U.S.C. 3905 and employment through ITA Pathways Programs consistent with the Executive Order No. 13562.

(b) Grants to Institutions of Higher Education. The Department of Commerce may award a competitive grant to an institution of higher education as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1001 to administer a program to award grants to students for the purpose of increasing the level of knowledge and awareness of and interest in employment with the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service, consistent with 22 U.S.C. 3905.

The Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Global Markets, Office of Global Talent Management is responsible for administering the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Pilot Fellowship Program and grants to students and may be contacted for more detailed information.