Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute

Website: https://ppiaprogram.org/page/junior-summer-institute

Campus Contact: Roger Adkins:  email  •  make an appointment

The PPIA Junior Summer Institute (JSI) Fellowship Program is a rigorous academic graduate-level preparation program for undergraduate juniors committed to public service careers. The program was started to address the lack of diversity across the spectrum of professional public service, including government, nonprofits, public policy institutions, and international organizations.The purpose of the JSI Fellowship is to prepare students to obtain a master’s or a joint degree in public policy, public administration, international affairs, or a related field.

Currently, six different institutions offer JSI programs:

  • Carnegie Mellon University: coursework focused on quantitative, analytical, policy analysis, and leadership skills
  • Princeton University: coursework focused on economics, statistics, policy analysis, writing, and public speaking
  • University of California, Berkeley: coursework designed to improve the participants’ analytical, quantitative, and legal skills
  • University of Michigan: coursework in statistics, microeconomics, and a writing course for the full seven weeks of the program, as well as shorter two- to three-week policy modules on a specific policy topic
  • University of Minnesota: focus on global decision making, human rights, diversity and equity, educational and environmental justice, social welfare innovation, climate change, accessible transit and housing, public safety, and racial justice
  • University of Washington: coursework in economics, quantitative methods, policy analysis implementation & evaluation, and leadership & community engagement

Who May Apply

College juniors (planning to graduate in December or May of the following academic year) pursuing a bachelor’s degree who plan to enter a master’s degree or joint-degree program in public policy, public administration, international affairs, or a related field at one of the PPIA Consortium’s graduate schools.

  • Must be committed to and demonstrate an interest in pursuing a professional career associated with public service such as government, nonprofits, and humanitarian and international organizations.
  • Must be interested in contributing to the diversity of perspectives present in the PPIA Junior Summer Institute Program. You must specifically demonstrate involvement in working to improve historically underserved or underrepresented communities, including African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, Latinx, Native Americans and Pacific Islanders.
  • Economic need is given consideration during the review of applications.
  • All academic majors are welcome to apply!

Eligibility Limitations

Only three of the six participating institutions – Carnegie Mellon, Princeton, and University of Washington – will accept international students (who are currently degree-seeking students at U.S. colleges) into their JSI programs. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply for any of the six JSI programs.

Award Description and Duration

  • Full tuition at a PPIA Junior Summer Institute.
  • Eligibility to receive assistance with travel expenses.
  • A stipend for incidentals not covered during your JSI (funding determined and varies by each JSI).
  • University housing with most meals covered.
  • Books and related course materials at your JSI.
  • Each JSI may offer additional benefits, such as GRE preparation and study resources at their discretion.
  • Minimum of a one-time $5,000 scholarship at a PPIA graduate school if admitted for a master’s degree. PPIA Fellows often receive financial offers above and beyond this minimum from their graduate program.
  • Fee waiver when applying to schools that are members of the PPIA Graduate School Consortium.

Application Requirements and Deadline

For the selected nominee, these items need to be submitted by the deadline (usually in early November):

  • Application form
  • Two letters of recommendation – one from someone familiar with your academic achievements, and one from someone familiar with your public service experience
  • 3 to 5 essays, depending on which specific JSI program(s) you are applying for
  • Extenuating circumstances essay (optional)
  • Resume (work with your Career Coach!)
  • Unofficial academic transcripts from all colleges you have attended
  • Financial documentation

Apply here

Recipients

  • 2022 John Hoang (Politics major; University of Washington program)
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