LEXINGTON Ky. -- Bethany Abebe, a political science and international studies major in the University of Kentucky's College of Arts and Sciences, participated in the Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Washington, D.C., in June. She was one of 20 students chosen for the program. 

The Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders is a fully paid enrichment and training program seeking to expand awareness and access to U.S. Foreign Service careers to students from underrepresented communities. 

A partnership among Meridian International Center, the Una Chapman Cox Foundation and Community Colleges for International Development, the Foreign Service Fellowship provides undergraduate students with insight into American diplomacy while underscoring educational, internship and career paths within the U.S. Foreign Service. 

The program spotlights the work of Foreign Service Officers and teaches skills necessary to succeed in a diplomatic career. Fellows will enhance their understanding of diplomacy and international affairs through site visits while developing their career development skills through workshops and networking opportunities.

The Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders took place in June. Activities included a full day visit to the U.S. Department of State, an interactive two-day diplomatic skills training course, a diplomacy simulation, panel discussions with representatives from the broader U.S. Foreign Service apparatus and site visits.