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ATLANTA — Cheick Kouyate, an undergraduate political science major, is among 15 applicants selected for a spot in this year’s Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program.
The Rangel Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) is a U.S. Department of State program administered by Howard University via a cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Global Talent Management. The program provides undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of international career opportunities, and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. The Rangel Summer Enrichment Program fully funds students to spend six weeks in the nation's capital learning from diplomats, Foreign Service officers and other leading foreign affairs professionals.
During his time in Washington, D.C., Kouyate will take two courses for credit from Howard University and participate in a seminar on professional writing taught by a former U.S. ambassador. Kouyate will also participate in a variety of professional development activities and will attend events at diverse locations around Washington, D.C., including the U.S. Department of State, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Defense and the Capitol.
Kouyate said this program is a major opportunity toward meeting his career goals.
“My primary career interest is to become a U.S. Foreign Service political officer aiding an African embassy. I want to help develop and implement U.S. policy toward African nations while building a mutual understanding and support for the United States,” Kouyate said. “Aiming to enhance on my rigorous coursework at Georgia State, the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program will provide me with more information about U.S. foreign policy and allow me to apply that knowledge to the advancement of African countries.”
Kouyate’s motivation to work in the U.S. Foreign Service started when he traveled to his mother’s home country, Liberia.
“I saw a nation affected by poverty, war and political corruption. Driven by deep desires to address these challenges, I researched ways to contribute to the country's development, leading me to U.S. foreign policy,” he said.
Kouyate said his primary focus during this summer program is to gain a stronger and deeper understanding of international affairs and exploring different avenues in which he can contribute to global change, especially toward African nations.
His professor, Jeannie Grussendorf in Political Science, said she’s thrilled for Kouyate.
“This is a tremendous achievement and a clear reflection of the intellectual curiosity and dedication to international affairs that I witnessed in Cheick’s wonderful participation in my U.S. Foreign Policy class last year,” said Grussendorf. “Being chosen to participate in this highly competitive and prestigious program will allow him to build on his existing knowledge and use his outstanding academic talents to realize his goals for international public service. I am incredibly proud of him.”
Kouyate is also a past Gilman Scholarship recipient and a member of Georgia State’s African Student Association. He will also be starting an internship in August with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs in Washington, D.C.
Kouyate and the 15 other scholars will be enrolled in the summer enrichment program through the end of July.
To learn more about the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program, visit https://rangelprogram.org/summer-enrichment-program/.