The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (USFCS) Pilot Fellowship Program, administered by the Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration (ITA), aims to increase knowledge, awareness, and interest in careers within the Foreign Commercial Service. This program focuses on preparing highly qualified graduate students for roles that support American exports and international commerce. The fellowship includes an overseas summer internship at a U.S. embassy, consulate, or mission, combined with professional development, mentoring, and orientation components. The program also seeks to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds, including historically underrepresented groups, to ensure a broad representation within the Foreign Commercial Service.

The fellowship's objectives include providing educational and professional development opportunities, enhancing participants' understanding of U.S. foreign trade policy, and offering structured pathways to potential careers in the Foreign Commercial Service. Selected fellows will participate in an eight-week overseas internship, attend a mandatory orientation program, and engage in ongoing mentoring and professional development sessions. The fellowship aims to prepare participants for the Foreign Commercial Service Assessment and future employment opportunities with the Department of Commerce.

Eligible applicants must be U.S.-based accredited institutions of higher education that administer Master’s degree programs in fields such as International Affairs, International Relations, Economics, Business, Trade, Public Administration, or Public Policy. Institutions must demonstrate experience in managing federal financial assistance programs of similar complexity and must have staff with backgrounds in human resources and familiarity with the Foreign Commercial Service. Individual students applying for fellowships must be U.S. citizens, enrolled or accepted as first-year graduate students in qualifying programs, and must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.30.

The program provides up to $545,000 in funding, including up to $35,000 per fellow to cover stipends, meals, travel, housing, visa fees, health insurance, and emergency medical evacuation. Institutional support funding is capped at $300,000. The period of performance is 18 months, starting in June 2025, with the program concluding by December 2026.

Applicants must submit proposals electronically through Grants.gov by the deadline of March 6, 2025. Required components include an SF-424 form, a proposal narrative, a budget narrative, a program monitoring and evaluation plan, and supporting documents such as CVs of key personnel. Proposals will be evaluated based on the quality and feasibility of the program plan, organizational capacity, cost-effectiveness, and the robustness of the monitoring and evaluation strategy.

Evaluation criteria include the applicant's ability to recruit diverse and highly qualified fellows, deliver high-quality program elements (orientation, internship placements, mentoring), and ensure program outcomes are measurable and aligned with ITA's goals. Performance will be tracked through participant surveys, progress reports, and final deliverables, including individual post-analysis reports and capstone projects.

Key milestones include a notification of recommendation for funding in June 2025, mandatory orientation for fellows in June 2026, and the completion of overseas internships by September 2026. Award recipients must comply with quarterly reporting requirements, maintain proper records, and meet all federal grant compliance standards.