• Insights into Public Service Careers: A deeper understanding of the wide range of career pathways available across federal, state, and local government.
• An Expansive Network: Connections with like-minded peers and seasoned public service professionals from across the country, opening doors to new opportunities.
• Policy Skills: An enhanced understanding of how public policy is developed, along with skills to leverage policy as a tool for driving positive societal change.
• A Broader Civic Perspective: An expanded view of government’s role and impact, inspiring participants to see themselves as future public service leaders.

Students begin their experience in the nation’s capital, connecting with peers from across the country to explore public service careers through comprehensive programming: 

• Networking and mentorship opportunities with public service leaders and changemakers
• Site visits to national organizations and governmental agencies
• Opportunities to explore DC’s rich social and cultural offerings

Students travel from Washington, DC, to one of three participating “Host Schools” where they will engage in a dynamic curriculum inside and outside the classroom, enhancing knowledge and skills to support future public service careers. Each Host School will offer programming organized around a unique policy topic: 

• Berkeley, CA: University of California, Berkeley, The Goldman School of Public Policy

  Democracy and Law Policy. Students will explore the conditions for democracy and the actions that governments can take to protect, promote, and deliver on the promise of democracy for human flourishing. Specific areas of democracy policy include issues or representation and identity justice, voting and elections, speech and expression, citizenship, effective governance and administration, and institutional trust.

• Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs

  Global Policy. With an emphasis on roleplay and simulation, students will take a hands-on approach in grappling with some of the world’s most pressing transnational challenges. Specific areas of focus may include conflict, access to water, human rights, and sustainable development.

• Seattle, WA: University of Washington, Evans School of Public Policy and Governance

  Social Policy. Students will be exposed to an array of nonprofit and government agencies involved in the creation and implementation of social policies that respond to pressing societal and economic issues. Specific issues of social policy include addressing poverty and inequality, social welfare programs, education policy, and criminal justice.

Students will be awarded a $1,000 stipend, in addition to full coverage of travel, lodging, and meals.