The PPIA Fellowship Program helps students achieve a Master’s or joint degree, typically in public policy, public administration, international affairs or a related field. The organization does this through the intensive study provided by participation in a Junior Summer Institute (JSI), through partnerships with universities across the country, and through an alumni network that provides opportunities to connect with nearly 4000 individuals who share the same interest in public service.

The entry point for the PPIA Fellowship Program is attendance at one of our Junior Summer Institutes (JSI). Each year, this national program selects an elite group of students to participate in our Junior Summer Institutes, where these high-potential individuals are equipped with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in graduate school and ultimately, in influential roles serving the public good.

Once a student has successfully completed their JSI, they join an alumni network of nearly 4,000 leaders. In addition to the opportunities that this network provides for mentoring and career development, our alumni network has the opportunity to receive financial support for their graduate school education if they attend one of the programs in our Graduate School Consortium.

About the Graduate School Consortium

PPIA’s Graduate School Consortium is comprised of over 30 public policy and international affairs programs from across the county. PPIA alumni who apply to receive a graduate degree at these schools are able to waive the application fees and, if accepted, are guaranteed a minimum, one-time financial award of $5,000 from the school. Most alumni who are accepted to a consortium school receive well above this figure in financial aid towards their graduate education.

PPIA Fellows are encouraged to wait a couple of years before applying to graduate school in order to gain work experience and further preparation for graduate studies. However, enrollment into one of the PPIA Consortium schools is expected for PPIA Fellows within 3 years of graduation. An additional one year extension may be requested.

All prospective PPIA Fellows are expected to dedicate themselves to the objectives of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute Program, have a strong commitment to public service, and contribute to diverse perspectives in public policy and international affairs. The following are more specific criteria and guidelines:

• If you are a United States citizen, legal permanent resident, or DACA recipient you are eligible to apply to all JSI programs. (International students are eligible for select JSIs – Carnegie Mellon and Princeton – and must be enrolled in a U.S. based institution.)
• Applicants must have an expected graduation date between December 2021 and August 2022.
• If you will have already completed a bachelor’s degree prior to the start of Junior Summer Institute, you are not eligible to apply.
• Must be committed to pursuing a Master’s Degree in public policy and/or international affairs at one of the PPIA Consortium 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!

• junior
• senior

• US Citizen
• Permanent Resident

Getting Started

Before You Begin

1. Please review eligibility guidelines and research the Junior Summer Institutes.
2. Review the list of materials  that will be helpful in completing your application.
3. Identify the two people who will be providing letters of recommendation. You will need to provide their names and contact information in order to trigger an email to them with instructions for submitting their letter on your behalf.

Please plan out your time to ensure you are able to complete all components of the application. 

Starting Your Application: Once you have gathered all of the materials that you will need, you are ready to start your application.

For detailed instructions for filling out your application visit https://ppiaprogram.org/jsi-application-requirements/. Your application will contain your letters of recommendations, the application form, essay statements and other additional documents.

PPIA Program Ward Circle Building 310
American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016

Phone: 877-PPIA-001 (877-774-2001)
Fax: 877-408-8285

Email: ppia.office@ppiaprogram.org

http://www.ppiaprogram.org/ppia/contact/