First LSU Student Participates in Prestigious Rangel Program

This summer, Alexis White became the first LSU student ever to be selected for the prestigious Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program.  
 
The Rangel summer program – administered by the US State Department and Howard University – helps exceptional undergraduate students kickstart their careers in international affairs. Participants, known as Rangel Scholars, have the opportunity to spend six weeks attending classes and networking with professionals in Washington, D.C. This year, out of a pool of 900 applicants, only 15 scholars were selected to participate in the program; the scholars represent a diverse, multitalented cohort of exemplary students who are ready to take the next step in their careers.  

Alexis – an LSU senior majoring in international studies with a concentration in global diplomacy and minors in political science and French – represented LSU in this year’s Rangel summer program. Alexis was selected as a Rangel scholar because of her academic excellence and her dedication to global engagement and local advocacy. During her time at LSU, Alexis has consistently built her global and local connections: she has deepened her French fluency, studied abroad in France, participated as a Model UN delegate, and served as a leader on campus, including as a resident advisor and as an LSU African American Cultural Center Ambassador. These local and global pursuits combined perfectly to prepare Alexis for the Rangel program, which focuses on diplomacy and connection. Alexis shared how the program aligns with her own goals: “I am committed to bringing fresh perspectives to future diplomatic discourse, contributing to a more inclusive and representative field.” 

For Alexis, the Rangel program has been a transformative, career-launching experience. The courses sharpened her writing skills and her understanding of international affairs, and the networking opportunities introduced her to new mentors who can support her career journey. The biggest takeaway, said Alexis, was realizing the world of opportunities available to her upon graduation. “As a Rangel Scholar, the most profound lesson I learned is that my career path doesn’t need to be rigidly linear, and there's no single route to success in a career of International Affairs or foreign service,” said Alexis. “I discovered that each person's journey is uniquely shaped by their experiences, freeing us from the pressure to conform to a predetermined path. I could become a Fulbright scholar, join the Peace Corps, participate in post-undergraduate internships, or pursue prestigious fellowships like Rangel, Pickering, and Payne. I could thrive in the public or private sector, in intelligence or in international development. The possibilities for making a meaningful impact in International Affairs are vast, and I've only scratched the surface.”    
 
Thank you, Alexis, for sharing your experience with us – our team is proud of you and your incredible accomplishments!  
 
To learn more about Rangel programs, visit their website here. And if you’re ready to expand your global learning experiences, explore opportunities both on-campus and abroad on the Office of Global Engagement website.  

"The possibilities for making a meaningful impact in International Affairs are vast, and I've only scratched the surface."

Alexis White, LSU Student & Rangel Scholar