Quarterly Report: Donald M. Payne International Development Program

Payne International Development Fellowship Program is a prestigious initiative that supports graduate students pursuing careers in international development. The program is administered by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University. During the October-December 2020 reporting period, Payne Program Staff provided critical support to the 2018, 2019, and 2020 cohorts of fellows. The staff monitored the academic performance of the fellows, coordinated the submission of resumes in preparation for backstop assignments, and helped transition the graduating 2018 cohort into the Foreign Service. The 2018 cohort, which included Aaron Scherf, continued their rotations after joining the Career Candidate Corps in June 2020. Payne program staff supported USAID efforts to process all paperwork for the Payne Fellows' entry into the Career Candidate Corps and helped them prepare to transition into USAID. The assignments for the C3s were still pending due to the ongoing pandemic. The 2019 cohort received financial and mentoring support from the Payne Program as they started their second year in graduate school. The program closely monitored the academic status and progress of the 2019 Payne Fellows, with all fellows meeting their GPA requirements for the third semester. The 2020 cohort also received support from the Payne Program, with nine fellows meeting their GPA requirements for the first semester. However, Jose Leandro did not meet the requirement and was placed on academic probation. The 2020 fellows are in the process of obtaining their security and medical clearances in preparation for their upcoming summer internship. The Payne Fellowship Program also conducted recruitment and outreach activities for the 2021 cycle, which included virtual webinars and office hours. A total of 645 online applications were received, and after close examination, 329 applications were deemed eligible to move forward for review by the selection committee. The selection committee was composed of Ambassador (retired) Liliana Ayalde, Alfred Nakatsuma, and Beverly Hadley, with Zema Semunegus and Nicholas Bassey serving as writing panel members. The selection process included a semi-finalist category, with 40 semi-finalists chosen and participating in the Writing Exercise on December 16th. The selection committee members and writing panel members met on December 22nd for a briefing and deliberations to select the 30 Payne Finalists for the 2021 application cycle. The Payne Fellowship Program plays a critical role in supporting the next generation of international development professionals. By providing financial and mentoring support, the program helps fellows develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their careers. The program's commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its recruitment and outreach efforts, which aim to attract a diverse pool of applicants from across the United States. The program's focus on academic excellence and professional development is reflected in its rigorous selection process, which includes a writing exercise and a review of applicants' academic records. The selection committee's deliberations and the final selection of 30 Payne Finalists demonstrate the program's commitment to identifying and supporting the most talented and dedicated individuals in the field of international development. Overall, the Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship Program is a highly competitive and prestigious initiative that supports the next generation of international development professionals. The program's commitment to academic excellence, professional development, and diversity and inclusion makes it an attractive option for graduate students pursuing careers in international development.