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The Bunche Center Newsletter
January 2022
In This Issue:
  • Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Upcoming Events
  • In the News, Director Tonija Hope
  • #HUCOLAvanza
  • Freedom, A Human Right
  • Support Diaspora Connect
  • Bison Abroad Updates
  • Fellowships, Internships & Career Opportunities
Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King delivering a speech at Howard University in 1965
This week, we celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King. While many enjoyed the federal holiday in relaxation, it was also a time to reflect on the legacy of Dr. King.

Dr. King is immortalized as the most visible and prolific leader of the American civil rights movement. His activism was key to helping end racial segregation in America. Although he was assassinated in 1968, his message of civil disobedience transcended generations and geographical borders.

Dr. King visited Howard University several times. In 1964, he delivered the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel's annual Gandhi Memorial Lecture. This year, the RBC restored the event, now renamed the King/Gandhi lecture. In October 2021, it was delivered by His Excellency, Mr. Taranji Singh Sandhu, Ambassador of India to the United States. In truth and service, we hope to inspire the next generation of servant leaders who, like Dr.King, believe "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
Upcoming Events
In the News, Director Tonija Hope
On Wednesday, our Director Tonija Hope appeared on CNN Chile to discuss the progress of the Biden-Harris administration. She analyzed the response to COVID-19, international relations, and other challenges faced by our president-elect.

Watch the segment here on the CNN Chile website.
HU/COL Avanza
This week, our director met with representatives from AMUNAFRO, the Association of Mayors of Black Communities in Colombia, South America to discuss educational opportunities for young people from their communities at Howard University. They were excited to learn more about Howard and share ideas on how to strengthen Howard's relationship with Colombia. This meeting was just one aspect of #HUCOLAvanza, our initiative to increase engagement across Howard University with Colombia. We look forward to new projects with these leaders.
Freedom, a Human Right
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
An estimated 40 million people are enslaved today. Despite this great number, human trafficking remains largely misunderstood.


Support Diaspora Connect
Looking to start your new year on a positive note? Consider donating to Diaspora Connect! Supporting our Howard scholars as they travel to Colombia in March for cross-cultural immersion and education.

If you'd like to donate, click the link here

Diaspora Connect is a year-long project sponsored by the 100K Strong in the Americas initiative of the US Department of State. We are engaging students from Universidad del Valle & Universidad Tecnológica de Choco in Colombia. Howard students are strengthening their Spanish language skills and learning about issues facing their Afro-Colombian peers. We have funding to take 8 students to Colombia, but we would like to take all 15! Every little bit helps! Thank you in advance! Muchas Gracias!

Follow these instructions to successfully donate to Diaspora Connect:
1) After choosing your donation amount, scroll down
and select "other" for "Designation"
2) Type in "Ralph J. Bunche Center--Diaspora Connect"
in the text box that appears below
Bison Abroad Updates
Want to study abroad? Keep these important dates in mind! The deadline to apply for summer and fall 2022 study abroad is March 16th. Info sessions are every Wednesday from 4-5pm. Advising hours are Tuesday thru Thursday 2pm-4pm.

Click here to register for an info session, and book your advising appointment after you've identified a program.
Who doesn't love an all-expenses paid trip?! Well, becoming a Douglass Fellow can provide all that and much more. Each year a few amazing students from around the US are selected to follow in the footsteps of Fredrick Douglass... in Ireland. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the world while building your leadership skills and becoming a catalyst for positive change in your community.

Click here to learn more. Register for the Information Session to hear about the program from Howard students who were previously selected and 
APPLY TODAY before the February 14th deadline sneaks up on you!
Interested in all things global? Join the Bunche Brigade! The "Bunche Brigade" is a student volunteer group, managed by our office.

Benefits of joining the Bunche Brigade include:
  • Being the first to know about international opportunities, including scholarships, fellowships, & internships;
  • Being a peer advisor and sharing your experience abroad with like-minded students;
  • Gaining leadership skills by supporting Bunche Center events and building your resumé;
  • Engaging with special guests and speakers;
  • Promoting global education on campus.


Previous study abroad experience is NOT required!
Click here to access the interest form
Internships, Fellowships & Career Opportunities


Deadline to Apply: January 31st, 2022

Black Professionals in International Affairs is a 501c3 organization dedicated to increasing the involvement of African-Americans in the international Affair Field.

Are you a college student seeking to gain professional experience and contribute to a community-centered organization? Apply for the 2022 BPIA internship program! Open to all majors, varying skills sets, and backgrounds. our internships are 100% remote with consideration for paid and unpaid internships.



This opportunity is available to college graduates seeking full-time work.

Deadline to apply: January 28, 2022

Salary Range: $60,000 plus benefits, commensurate with experience 

Hindus for Human Rights is a nonprofit nonpartisan organization founded in 2019. We advocate for pluralism and civil and human rights in South Asia and North America, rooted in the values of our Hindu faith: shanti (peace), nyaya (justice), and satya (truth). We provide a Hindu voice of resistance to caste, Hindutva (Hindu nationalism), racism, and all forms of bigotry and oppression. Our vision is a world defined by lokasangraha (the universal common good) — where there is peace among all people, and our planet is honored and protected.

Your Role: 

We are seeking a Policy Director who will help us develop a robust policy agenda for Hindus for Human Rights and help execute the legislative components of that agenda.


Deadline to Apply: February 15th, 2022

The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program is a six-week summer program designed to provide undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. 

This program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. Students live at Howard University, attend classes, and participate in a variety of programs with foreign affairs professionals at Howard and at diverse locations around Washington, DC.

The Program covers the costs for tuition, travel, housing, and two meals per day. It also provides a stipend of $3,300.


Deadline to apply: February 11th, 2022

The Agriculture and Economic Growth Minority Serving Institution Engagement Intern will learn about and support program implementation and new business development, primarily for USAID-funded projects. This internship can help start a successful career in development, building skillsets, expanding networks, and providing real-world experience in this challenging but rewarding work. 

This internship is paid and hours are flexible, between 24-40 per week for at least three months. There is flexibility in the location and can be remote, hybrid or in-person if candidate lives close to our Burlington, Vermont or Arlington, Virginia office.

Tetra Tech International Development Services implements development projects for USAID, the EU, DFID, the World Bank, MCC, and others. Successful development practitioners need to have a good understanding of the development business cycle, including the proposal phase, start-up and mobilization, implementation and daily project administration, contract and grants management, project backstopping, conflict resolution, finance, analysis, and compliance. 


Instead of going on coffee runs and making copies, you’ll be seated at the table making critical decisions that will influence not only your team, but the overall achievement of Tesla’s mission.  This internship will provide opportunities to work with the North American Public Policy & Business Development team on policy and business development, market analysis, and strategic engagement. The incumbent will have the opportunity to learn and grow, working across the team to support its full range of efforts, with a particular focus on renewable energy and EV charging policy, public utility regulation, and renewable energy market opportunities.

Note: The internship will begin around May/June 2022. Tesla asks for a minimum of 6 months of full-time work for policy interns.

Summer Fellow, Hudson Institute Political Studies

Deadline to apply: February 21st, 2022

Hudson Institute Political Studies offers top undergraduates a Summer Fellowship in political theory and practice that broadens and deepens understanding of public policy and American political principles. The Fellowship combines rigorous study of politics and political thought through week-long seminars led by master teachers, policy workshops featuring think tank experts and experienced government officials, and a distinguished speaker series of exemplary figures from public life. The summer fellowship is hosted at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and lasts for six weeks. Students participate free of charge, are given complimentary accommodations and receive a $3,000 stipend to offset travel and other ancillary expenses. The 2022 Summer Fellowship will be held from June 20 to July 29, 2022.

Hudson Institute is a public policy research organization (or think tank) whose experts seek to promote American leadership, in concert with allies, for the advancement of our security, prosperity, and freedom. Hudson’s analysts work to lead debates about defense and diplomatic strategy, free speech and religious liberty, technological innovation, trade and energy policy, economic growth, and a range of other critical issues. The summer fellowship is hosted at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, and lasts for six weeks. 


Deadline to apply: January 31st, 2022

Do your interests intersect with public health? The Summer Public Health Scholars Program (SPHSP) is designed for undergraduate students and its goal is to increase interest and knowledge of public health and biomedical science careers. SPHSP is a partnership of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, College of Dental Medicine, School of Nursing, and the Mailman School of Public Health. Together, they represent the broad spectrum of public health practice. SPHSP was awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Office of Minority Health, and Health Equity (OMHHE), under the CDC Undergraduate Public Health Scholars Program (CUPS).

The program is designed for undergraduates entering their junior or senior year and recent baccalaureate degree students who are undecided about their career goals. This is a rigorous program which includes Public Health coursework at Columbia University; hands-on field experience and immersion in a diverse, economically disadvantaged urban environment; seminars and lectures with public health leaders; and mentoring by faculty members, ensuring students' exposure to the breadth and importance of public health as a career option.

Participants are provided:

  • Stipend: A stipend for participation is provided to all program scholars.
  • Travel: Each scholar is provided financial support for round-trip travel.
  • Housing: Housing is provided to all students on the Columbia University Morningside Campus.

Deadline to apply is January 31st, 2022!



Deadline to Apply: January 31st, 2022

Interested in a global career in Information Technology (IT)? Have your education fully funded by the U.S. Department of State!

If you want to use your tech skills to make a difference, see the world, and experience different cultures, the Foreign Affairs IT (FAIT) Fellowship is an opportunity of a lifetime. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, this two-year Fellowship program is a path to a career in the Foreign Service by providing academic funding for an IT-related degree, internships, professional development and mentorship – culminating in an appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist (IMS).

To be eligible to apply for the 2022 cohort, you must:
  • Be a U.S. citizen;
  • Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program relevant to Information Technology at a U.S.-based accredited institution and entering your junior year in fall 2022, OR
  • Be seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution beginning in fall 2022;
  • Be on a timeline to graduate with your bachelor’s or master’s degree in May 2024;
  • Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA through participation in the program;
  • Be able to obtain and maintain medical and security clearances and suitability requirements;
  • Agree to a minimum five-year commitment with the Foreign Service upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.



Priority deadline: February 10th, 2022
Final deadline: March 15th, 2022

Why International Affairs?

If you are looking for a career in foreign policy, intelligence, international development, diplomacy or national security, Washington, DC is the place for you.

This TFAS program track is ideal for students who are passionate about global issues and are looking to gain the professional experience needed to break into this competitive field. 

What Makes this Program Track Unique? 

  • An internship placement in the field of international affairs (embassy, international NGO, policy group, federal agency)
  • Coursework in international economics and government designed to complement your real-word experience
  • Guest lectures featuring prominent foreign policy and economics experts
  • Networking through career-focused panels and small group discussions led by professionals working in Public Diplomacy, World Bank, State Department, Defense Consulting, Humanitarian Aid + Relief, Department of Homeland Security, Peace Corps, USAID, CIA, FBI and Intelligence. 




Deadline to apply: February 25th, 2022

The Project Finance team specializes in financial sector, telecommunications, manufacturing, and other highly complicated transactions. Interns receive exposure to international project finance and work in collaboration with seasoned financiers in the loan origination process.
Typical duties include:
  • Reviewing applications for financing;
  • Analyzing existing financial statements of the sponsor or of the project;
  • Analyzing and running sensitivities on financial models of projected project cash flows;
  • Writing country political and economic summaries and political risk analyses;
  • Preparing portions of loan papers being presented to Credit or Investment Committee;
  • Collaborating with Investment Officers to present the proposed loan to an approval committee;
  • Working with members of other departments to receive required clearances; and
  • Working with a project team to assist in the processing of disbursement requests.



Deadline to apply: January 31st, 2022

Since 2016, the Columbia University Global Mental Health Programs have hosted a competitive summer internship for rising senior undergraduates interested in the growing field of global mental health. Students participating in the summer internship program will be exposed to a wide range of didactic seminars and experiential learning opportunities and will be mentored by 1-3 departmental faculty focused on various global mental health initiatives. Additionally, students will gain exposure to networking within the healthcare research environment and develop the skills to apply an equity-informed lens into global mental health research and implementation. The summer internship runs for 8 weeks (typically beginning in June), with students working 4 days a week with the Columbia Global Mental Health Programs.

Want to get in touch with the Bunche Center?
Email us at BuncheCenter@Howard.edu!
[202-806-4363]  [BuncheCenter@Howard.edu]  [global.howard.edu]