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Daniel Ledin selected as UW-Madison's first Rangel Scholar

Ledin, a junior majoring in Political Science and International Studies, will spend six weeks in Washington, DC, gaining a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs and the knowledge and skills to pursue them.

by Aaron R. Conklin May 10, 2021
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Daniel Ledin, a junior majoring in Political Science and International Studies, is the first UW-Madison student selected to become a Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program Scholar.

Daniel Ledin (photo by Colton Mansavage)

Funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Howard University, the program provides undergraduate students with a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of career opportunities in international affairs and the enhanced knowledge and skills to pursue such careers. Twenty winners were selected from more than 1,200 applicants by a distinguished panel of U.S. diplomats and supporters.

"I pursued the Rangel program because I knew it would grant me unparalleled professional development and career exposure,” says Ledin, who hopes to one day pursue a career at the U.S. Department of State, specifically the U.S. Foreign Service. “I look forward to interacting with various think tanks, government agencies and NGOs to learn about the different opportunities available in the international affairs sector. In addition, I am excited to immerse myself in a cohort of passionate students from across the nation."

During the fully funded six-week intensive program, Ledin and the other 2021 Scholars will participate in a variety of programs with leading foreign affairs professionals and will attend virtual events at diverse locations around Washington, DC, including the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and Congress.

The Rangel Program encourages the application of undergraduates in minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need. The 2021 group of Rangel Scholars includes individuals from 15 states including California, North Carolina, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin.

The Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program began in 2002 and has taken place every summer since. The application usually opens in mid-October with an early February application deadline. Those interested in future programs can learn more at www.rangelprogram.org