DiplomacyRISE

DiplomacyRISE empowers the next generation of leaders to advance American diplomacy through career training, mentorship, and fellowship programs. By investing in talent and creating pathways for leaders from all backgrounds, Meridian is strengthening America’s diplomatic assets and fostering greater geopolitical resilience. Launched in 2021, this professional development initiative offers students and young professionals opportunities to build their careers and amplify their global impact.

Our suite of programs focuses on two areas:

• Diplomatic Skills Training: Equipping leaders from critical sectors—including science, technology, innovation, the private sector, state and local governments, and more—with diplomatic insights, networks, and skills to navigate a complex world and solve global challenges (e.g., Diplomatic Training for Young Scientists).
• International Affairs Career Pathways: Creating pathways for students to explore and thrive in international affairs careers (e.g., Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship Program).

Since summer 2022, Meridian has partnered with the National Science Policy Network on a Diplomatic Skills Training for Emerging Scientists course to provide scientists, doctors, engineers and similar professionals interested in becoming international affairs practitioners with education focused on soft skills that are central to diplomacy. In summer 2025, Meridian will host the fourth annual Diplomatic Skills Training for Emerging Scientists.

In summer 2023, Meridian offered a paid summer enrichment and mentorship program in an effort to expand access to global education opportunities and international affairs careers to community college, transfer, and non-traditional students. The Community College Global Affairs Fellowship (CCGAF) was held in partnership with Global Community College Transfers and Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) through the generous support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Our Latest Fellowship

In summer 2024, Meridian hosted the Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders, a fully-funded enrichment and training program seeking to expand awareness and access to Foreign Service careers to students from  across the United States. The second iteration of the Foreign Service Fellowship will take place in summer 2025. The application period is currently open. See full details here.

Meridian continues to build a network of passionate international affairs professionals and share opportunities through our DiplomacyRISE LinkedIn group. If you would like to be added or have an opportunity to share with the group, please email DiplomacyRISE@meridian.org. 

For more information on DiplomacyRISE, please email diplomacyRISE@meridian.org. 

Recommendation Report on Critical Issue Areas