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Naomi Aladekoba Named Schwarzman Scholar

by Angela George | December 08, 2022

Naomi Aladekoba, C’2023, was recently named to the eighth cohort of Schwarzman Scholars. The 151 candidates, selected from 36 countries and 121 universities around the world, will receive the opportunity to study in a one-year, fully-funded Master’s degree program in Global Affairs at Schwarzman College on the campus of Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

Aladekoba is senior international studies major concentrating in international development and minoring in Spanish and Asian Studies. Before taking a gap year, the Maryland native participated in the Spelman-George Washington East Asia Professional Development Program and was president of the Chinese Culture Club. She later participated in the MIT Summer Research Program where she worked in the political science department researching China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

During her gap year, Aladekoba began interning at the Atlantic Council, a think tank in Washington, D.C. in the GeoEconomics Center. She now she consults on the GeoEconomics Center Bretton Woods 2.0 which aims to reimagine our international system by reforming institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. She researches, writes and visualizes data for this project, and has developed an undergraduate summer program to provide research and mentorship opportunities to students of underrepresented backgrounds interesting in international affairs and global economic governance.

Aladekoba currently works as a research assistant in the political science department at MIT looking at US-China relations as it relates to trade, technology and the question of Taiwan. In the future, she hopes to work in international development where she can partner with different communities around the world to foster sustainable solutions to the most pressing global issues.

In Her Own Words: Aladekoba’s Asian Studies Experience at Spelman

“Reflecting on my time at Spelman, I can say that minoring in Asian Studies has been a core part of my undergraduate experience. I developed a passion for studying Chinese and through courses like Intro to Asian Studies and Understanding Modern China, I have been able explore my interest in China’s role in our international system,” said Aladekoba.

“I formed relationships with professors who encouraged me to pursue opportunities in this field.”

Next fall as I head to China to obtain a master’s in Global Affairs as a Schwarzman Scholar, I could not have done it without this program as it has cultivated my interests and prepared me this next chapter of my life. Thank you so much.”

Schwarzman Scholars were selected through a rigorous application process designed to identify leadership potential, intellect, and strength of character. Over 400 candidates from 60 countries were invited to interview with panels of CEOs, government officials, university presidents, journalists, and non-profit executives, among others.

As someone who believes in the importance of global collaboration to address challenges that transcend borders and is interested in China’s role in our international system, Schwarzman is an amazing opportunity to learn about these issues with a cohort of young individuals passionate about global change. I can't wait to start the next chapter of my life in Beijing, and I'm so grateful to the Spelman community for supporting me throughout my undergraduate experience, informing me about this opportunity, and helping be during the entire process."

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Scholar Spotlight

Naomi Aladekoba Named Schwarzman Scholar

December 2022

“I formed relationships with professors who encouraged me to pursue opportunities in this field.”

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Meet Our Scholars

Domestic Opportunities

Domestic opportunities are managed by DeKimberlen Neely, Ph.D. and Stacy Washington, M.A.

ARTHUR LIMAN PUBLIC INTEREST SUMMER FELLOWSHIP
The Liman Summer Fellowship gives juniors and seniors the opportunity to work at substantive summer internships in the field of public interest law/social justice.

ASTRONAUT SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarships are awarded to students seeking a STEM degree with intentions to pursue research or advance their field upon completion of their final degrees. Sophomores and juniors who plan to conduct research during their junior and/or senior semesters are eligible to apply.

BARRY GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP
The Barry Goldwater Foundation awards scholarships to college students who are in their sophomore or junior term and intend to pursue research careers in the natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

BEINECKE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Scholarships are awarded for the graduate education of young men and women of exceptional promise, to pursue opportunities available to them and to be courageous in the selection of a graduate course of study in the arts, humanities and social sciences.

HARRY S. TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP
Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation supports the graduate education and professional development of outstanding young people committed to public service leadership. Applicants should demonstrate extensive record of campus and community service; a high probability of becoming a "change agent"; and strong academic record.

UDALL UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP
The Udall Foundation awards scholarships to college sophomores and juniors for leadership, public service, and commitment to issues related to Native American nations or to the environment.

International Opportunities

International opportunities are managed by Andrea Lewis, Ph.D. Learn more about International Studies Fellowships and Internships.

CHARLES B. RANGEL INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP
The Rangel Program is a U.S. State Department program administered by Howard University that seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers as diplomats in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The program seeks individuals interested in helping to shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing U.S. foreign policy. The Program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need.

Spelman Application Deadline: Thursday, September 14, 2023

FULBRIGHT U.S. STUDENT PROGRAM
Chosen for their leadership potential, Fulbright fellows are given the opportunity to study, teach, or conduct research in other countries, and develop international competence and cross-cultural expertise.

Spelman Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 26, 2023

LUCE SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Luce Scholars Program is a nationally competitive fellowship program. It was launched by the Henry Luce Foundation in 1974 to enhance the understanding of Asia among potential leaders in American society. The program provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional placement in Asia for 15-18 Luce Scholars each year, and welcomes applications from college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals in a variety of fields who have had limited exposure to Asia.

Spelman Application Deadline: Monday, October 2, 2023

MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIPS
Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the United Kingdom. Up to forty Scholars are selected each year to study at graduate level at an UK institution in any field of study.

Spelman Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 12, 2023

RHODES SCHOLARSHIPS
The Rhodes Scholarships are the oldest and most celebrated international fellowship awards in the world. Rhodes Scholars are chosen not only for their outstanding scholarly achievements, but for their character, commitment to others and to the common good, and for their potential for leadership in whatever domains their careers may lead. Each year 32 young students from the United States are selected.

Spelman Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 20, 2023

SCHWARZMAN FUTURE GLOBAL LEADERS SCHOLARSHIP
Designed to prepare the next generation of global leaders, Schwarzman Scholars is the first scholarship created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century. Whether in politics, business or science, the success of future leaders around the world will depend upon an understanding of China’s role in global trends. The program gives the world’s best and brightest students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and professional networks through a one-year Master’s Degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing – one of China’s most prestigious universities.

Spelman Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 5, 2023

THOMAS R. PICKERING FOREIGN AFFAIRS FELLOWSHIP
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program is a program funded by the U.S. Department of State, administered by Howard University, that attracts and prepares outstanding young people for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State. It welcomes the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with financial need. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, social, and geographic diversity.

Spelman Application Deadline: Thursday, September 7, 2023

Other Prestigious Opportunities

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA

Graduate Feeder Program
The UGA Graduate Feeder program provides a supportive transition for undergraduate students as they learn about applying to graduate school and as they begin to assume the role of a graduate student at UGA.
UGA Graduate Feeder Program Details
UGA Graduate Feeder Program Application Instructions (PDF)
UGA Graduate Feeder Program Application (DOC)

Gateway Graduate School Bridge Program
The Gateway to Graduate School Bridge Program allows incoming graduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds to begin their graduate education at the University of Georgia in the summer semester rather than the fall.
UGA Gateway Graduate School Bridge Program Details

Contact Us

Office of Undergraduate Studies
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Atlanta, GA 30314
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PFS Forms

Cover Sheet & Checklist (PDF)
Faculty Mentor Form (PDF)