This study, which was conducted by the Institute of International Education (IIE) and published by the World Bank’s Office of Diversity Programs, draws on the findings of academic and industry reports, national data sources on minority students in higher education, and on the expertise of leaders in U.S. higher education to shed light on the barriers facing U.S. minority students entering the field of international affairs and international development. It also draws on studies that have been conducted on the existing pipeline and barriers to entry in this field. The study also cites a number of innovative programs and valuable resources that can help address this problem and offers recommendations for future action.