The Celia M. Howard Fellowship program was established by the Illinois Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs in 1948. Its purpose was to give financial assistance to train well-qualified, mature Illinois women for study in the field of Diplomacy. This Fellowship has since been expanded to include study in International Management, Law, and Administration of Justice.

Since 1950, over 150 women have received financial assistance from this fellowship. The total amount and number of awards varies annually.