; or (B) will be awarded a graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States not later than six months after the date of the acceptance of the individual into the fellows program. (c) Application (1) Application required Each individual seeking to participate in the fellows program shall submit to the Secretary an application therefor at such time and in such manner as the Secretary shall specify. (2) Elements Each application of an individual under this subsection shall include the following: (A) Transcripts of educational achievement at the undergraduate and graduate level. (B) A resume. (C) Proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residence. (D) An endorsement from the applicant’s graduate institution of higher education. (E) An academic writing sample. (F) Letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s character, academic ability, and any extracurricular activities. (G) A personal statement by the applicant explaining career areas of interest and motivations for service in the Department. (H) Such other information as the Secretary considers appropriate. (d) Selection (1) In general Each year, the Secretary shall select participants in the fellows program from among applicants for the fellows program for such year who qualify for participation in the fellows program based on character, commitment to public service, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and such other qualifications for participation in the fellows program as the Secretary considers appropriate. (2) Number The number of individuals selected to participate in the fellows program in any year may not exceed the numbers as follows: (A) Ten individuals from each geographic region of the United States as follows: (i) The Northeast. (ii) The Southeast. (iii) The Midwest. (iv) The Southwest. (v) The West. (B) Ten additional individuals. (3) Background investigation An individual selected to participate in the fellows program may not participate in the program unless the individual successfully