Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship (PPIA)

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Please refer to the Nationally Competitive Scholarships homepage for the most up-to-date information. For all scholarships, contact Mychal Machado at mmachado2@alaska.edu if you have questions, to make an appointment, or to request information.

Important Dates

Visit https://ppiaprogram.org/ for details. 

Online application availability: August

Application Deadlines:
Campus deadline: N/A
National deadline: November

Notification of winning candidates: February

Scholarship Overview

Are you interested in promoting the inclusion and full participation of underrepresented groups in public service and in advancing their leadership roles throughout our civic institutions serving domestic and international affairs?

The goal of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute Fellowship is to help students achieve a master's or joint degree, typically in public policy, public administration, international affairs, or a related field and pursue a career in public service. JSI provides students with intensive study through partnerships with universities across the country and connects students with an alumni network of nearly 4,000 individuals who share the same interest in public service. 

Each year, PPIA seeks out high-potential undergraduate students from universities across the country to participate in JSI the summer before their senior year. During the program, fellows are equipped with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in graduate school and in influential roles serving the public good.

 

Information for Applicants

  • Eligibility

    Applicants must be:

    • Juniors currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program
    • US citizens, legal permanent residents, or DACA recipients
    • International students are eligible for JSI's at Carnegie Mellon, Princeton, and University of Washington if they are enrolled at a US institution for their undergraduate degree

     

    Who cannot apply:

    • Students who have already completed a bachelor's degree
    • Students whose expected graduation date does not fall within the range specified by the application

     

    All academic majors can apply.

    For more information about eligibility requirements, visit https://ppiaprogram.org/.

  • Additional Requirements

    Applicants must be committed to pursuing a master's degree in public policy and/or international affairs at one of the PPIA Consortium graduate schools. 

    Seek advising early in the application process. Schedule an advising appointment with the PPIA Fellowship Campus Advisor, TBD to discuss intent to apply.

    Interview requirements:
    Campus interview: No
    National interview: No

  • Award Benefits
    • Full tuition to a PPIA Junior Summer Institute
    • Eligibility for travel expense assistance
    • A stipend for incidentals not covered during your JSI
    • Room and board
    • Books and related course materials
    • Minimum $5,000 if accepted to a master's program at a PPIA graduate school (many students receive more than this)
    • Fee waiver when applying to a PPIA graduate school

     

    Award cannot be deferred or renewed.

  • Candidate Profile
    • Personal qualities: Culturally aware, socially sensitive, and possessing a common vision about making the world a better place
    • Academically impressive
    • Ability to succeed in graduate school
    • Commitment to public service
    • Demonstrate involvement in working to improve historically underserved or underrepresented communities
    • Ability to articulate your interest in the fellowship, how it will contribute to your long-term goals, and the unique perspectives you will bring to your cohort
  • Application Procedure
    1. Find a faculty member willing to serve as your mentor throughout the application process.
    2. Schedule an advising appointment with the PPIA Fellowship Campus Advisor, TBD the semester before you plan to apply.
    3. Register at https://ppiaprogram.org/ and start completing the application.
    4. Start developing the three personal statements required by the application. Certain programs may require additional written statements. For a full list and brief overview of each of the short essays, visit https://ppiaprogram.org/page/jsi-application-requirements. 
    5. Two letters of recommendation are required. One letter should be written by an instructor who can speak to your academic abilities, and one letter may come from anyone who can comment on your commitment to public service. Recommenders will submit these letters directly through the online application.
    6. Gather your resume, unofficial transcripts from all colleges or universities you have attended, and your financial documents for submission.
    7. Submit a complete application by the national deadline.
    8. You will be notified of your application status in early February.

     

    About 20% of applicants receive awards.