Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship 2025 and 2024

A fully-funded program for international students at community colleges

The Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders is a funded program designed to familiarize 20 young leaders with careers in the U.S. Foreign Service. Participants will explore pathways, sectors, opportunities and agencies that comprise the U.S. Foreign Service, and meet representatives to discuss their experiences.

• 2025 program dates: June 22 to 28 (apply by March 10, 2025)
• 2024 program dates: June 23 to 29

About the Program

The Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders is a fully-paid enrichment and training program seeking to expand awareness and access to Foreign Service careers to students from communities across the United States. The Fellowship provides undergraduate students with insight into American diplomacy while underscoring educational, internship, and career paths within the U.S. Foreign Service. The program will spotlight the vital work of Foreign Service Officers, while also teaching the critical soft skills necessary to succeed in a diplomatic career. Fellows will enhance their understanding of diplomacy and international affairs through site visits while developing their career development skills through workshops and networking opportunities.

Activities:

• Interactive 3-day diplomatic skills training
• Diplomacy simulation
• Panel discussions with leaders from the diplomatic community
• Site visits
• A tour of DC monuments
• Cultural activities

Eligibility

Participants must be U.S. citizens who are university or community college students that plan to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree by May (2025, 2026 or 2027 depending on program date).

Applications from non-traditional students from historically underrepresented groups, such as first-generation and low-income, are encouraged to apply. Applicants should have an interest in international affairs and democracy. Only 20 students will be selected to participate.

Cost

This program covers airfare, ground transportation, accommodations, meals and a $500 stipend.

This program was made possible by the Uma Chapman Cox Foundation and the Meridian International Center in partnership with CCID.

​Read more about the 2025 program.

Previous Winners (“Fellows”) from CCID Member Colleges

​Isabel Colón - Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Isabel Colón is an accomplished student pursuing her Associate of Arts degree at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC). Upon completion, she looks forward to transferring to an internationally accredited four-year university. There, she will pursue a Bachelor of Arts with a concentration in economics and sociology with a minor in Spanish. She aspires to teach English abroad. She values building and empowering her community through volunteer work. She also indulges in multiple mediums of art and is currently enjoying classes in ceramics. Isabel is the vice president of the Global Connections Club at NWTC, where she strives to bridge connections between international and domestic students. She empowers her fellow classmates by providing opportunities to connect socially while promoting cultural awareness and volunteer opportunities. By serving as VP, she expresses her passion for diversity, equality, and inclusion. Isabel also volunteers at a local elementary school that serves a diverse learning community. She supports teachers by working one-on-one with students, general classroom management, field trips, and is involved with school fundraising. Isabel was rewarded with the highest honors for her dedication to her academics. She was also the recipient of the Outstanding Program Student award for the Associate of Arts program. She was nominated by the NWTC faculty for her extraordinary student leadership and for excelling both inside and outside of the classroom. While involved in Girl Scouts, Isabel earned both her Bronze and Silver Awards. Isabel desires to be fluent in Spanish and currently takes Spanish classes through her local school district's community education program.

Brianna Grier - Austin Community College

Brianna Grier is a rising junior at Austin Community College pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Biology. She is passionate about using science and innovation to address global challenges, including climate change, sustainable energy, and medical advancements. She is also committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities, ensuring diversity and inclusion are central to global solutions. Brianna’s interest in international affairs and foreign service grew from her travels to countries across Europe, Asia, and South America, as well as throughout the United States. These experiences deepened her appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. She aspires to a career as an Environment, Science, Technology, and Health (ESTH) Officer, combining her interests in science, policy, and diplomacy. During the remainder of her undergraduate studies, Brianna plans to pursue hands-on experience in Washington, D.C., through internships focused on global science policy and diplomacy. She is currently building her academic foundation in economics and biology while preparing for future roles at the intersection of science and international affairs.

Alejandra Liberio Heredia - Valencia College

Alejandra Heredia is a recent graduate of Valencia College’s Seneff Honors College, where she earned her Associate of Arts in Political Science. She is continuing her studies in Washington, D.C., pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with an additional major in Criminology. Alejandra is passionate about dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline and expanding access to education and justice for marginalized communities. She closely works with Alianza for Progress, a Latino-led organization focused on advancing and empowering Florida’s Latinx communities through voter education and policy advocacy, and as an active member of GenCLEO, she has organized campaigns around climate justice and youth empowerment, including participating in Earth Day at Florida’s Capitol. Alejandra also contributed to the Yes on 4 campaign to restore abortion rights in Florida, and volunteers with LatinoJustice, a national civil rights organization dedicated to defending the rights of Latinx communities through litigation. She is a recipient of the CAP Leadership Institute, a program that supports aspiring Latinx leaders in law. On campus, Alejandra is a founding member of Valencia’s Women in Power Coalition (W.I.P.C.), a student-led organization dedicated to uplifting and amplifying the voices of women. She also serves as the Public Relations Officer for Valencia’s Model United Nations, helping coordinate student engagement around global issues. Multilingual in English, Spanish, and French, Alejandra embraces being culturally ambiguous, thrives in diverse spaces and values building connections across communities and borders.

David (Zion) Stanford - Borough of Manhattan Community College

David Stanford is a rising junior at the Borough of Manhattan Community College pursuing a bachelor’s degree in economics with a concentration in finance. Growing up in the diverse and vibrant community of the South Bronx, David developed a deep sensitivity to the unique challenges faced by people from all walks of life. His background fuels his passion for foreign affairs and his commitment to exploring how economic systems shape global outcomes. David is particularly interested in how diplomacy and targeted financial support can help nations in crisis both abroad and in neighboring communities. He aspires to use his education to better understand how international funding, partnerships, and policy can be used to promote stability, equity, and economic development. He recently interned at a CPA firm, where he gained valuable insights into the business world and strengthened the foundation for his future in economic policy and international service.