Rumsfeld Foundation Fellowship

The Weiser Diplomacy Center (WDC) / International Policy Center (IPC) are typically invited to nominate one MPP or PhD candidate for the Rumsfeld Foundation Graduate Fellowship Program, which supports U.S. graduate students with plans to pursue a career in public service or a policy-relevant field. The Ford School nominee is considered for a grant of up to $20,000 including tuition and stipend support. The grant amount depends on the nominee’s demonstrated financial need. A committee of faculty and staff selects the Ford School nominee based on demonstrated intellectual ability, character, and leadership potential.

Eligibility

  • Returning MPP or PhD students;
  • U.S. citizens;
  • Preference for those students focusing on national or international security, U.S. foreign policy, and international economics.

How to apply

Questions?

  • If you have any questions about this funding opportunity, please contact Dan Ellis, global engagement program manager (dcellis@umich.edu).
Dalia Saif

CURRENT RUMSFELD FELLOW, 2021-2022

Dalia Saif (MPP & MPH candidate)

Dalia graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. Now, she is pursuing an MPH & MPP Dual Degree from the School of Public Health and the Ford School of Public Policy. Previously, Dalia has interned with the Detroit Health Department and the Injury Prevention Center, where she worked on the Flint Youth Injury Study, which aimed to understand the intergenerational transmission of substance use. Dalia is also currently working as a research assistant with Michigan Medicine, where she is examining the impact prenatal care has on maternal outcomes for women with hypertensive disorders in lower-middle-income-countries. Dalia is interested in working for organizations focused on providing proper humanitarian aid to refugees within the Middle East.

  • Amy Turner (MPP '21) has been awarded Rumsfeld Fellowship in winter 2020.

    John Yim (MPP '20) was awarded Rumsfeld Fellowship in 2019 and has been one of the featured fellows on the Rumsfeld Foundation website.

    The Rumsfeld Foundation awarded Omair Khan (MPP ’18) one of just 20 graduate fellowships this year, making Khan the first Ford School student to win the fellowship—and the first Rumsfeld Fellow from the University of Michigan.

    Since 2008, the Rumsfeld Foundation has provided more than 140 fellowships to graduate scholars in public service or policy-relevant fields. Beyond outstanding academic and civic achievements, the foundation says Rumsfeld Fellows are chosen for moral character and leadership potential. The Rumsfeld Foundation then supports the fellows through year-round events, including a speaker series, retreats, receptions, and conferences.

    Khan was nominated by the Ford School’s International Policy Center, directed by John Ciorciari (one of 23 advisors for the Rumsfeld Fellowship Program).

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