March15, 2024 –
Four Spelman students -- Love L. Lundy, C’2024, Na’Zyia S. Dowdy-Arnold, C'2025, Lauren A. Proby, C’2025, and Cydnee C. Harris, C’2025 -- have earned acceptance into the Public Policy and International Affairs Program and will all participate in the PPIA Junior Summer Institute. The scholars will spend six weeks participating in rigorous summer programming free of charge at one of PPIA’s six campus partners to prepare them for advanced schooling and careers in public service and leadership in both domestic and global affairs.
Harris, a philosophy major and environmental science minor from Detroit, Michigan, plans to improve her mathematic skills and prepare for a master's degree program.
“Throughout the PPIA fellowship, I hope to grow my skills in economics, statistics and other heavy math-related courses to prepare myself better to obtain a master's in public policy, said Harris.
"I also plan to enrich my passion for public policy through the knowledge and connections PPIA provides. Lastly, I hope to learn more about the intersections of policy and law to understand better how I can address the injustices in these sectors."
Harris and Proby will attend the Goldman School at the University of California, Berkeley. Lundy and Dowdy-Arnold will attend the Ford School at the University of Michigan.
“As an English major, I know that the PPIA fellowship will provide me with a quantitative perspective to complement many of the qualitative skills I possess. My goal is to walk away from the program with greater confidence for admission and success in policy and law school programs," said Proby.
"I am also eager to gain a deeper understanding about what it will require intellectually to continue my development as a public servant."
PPIA is a nonprofit organization that has been supporting efforts to increase diversity in public leadership for 43 years. PPIA’s vision is a thriving and equitable world uplifted by visionary, inclusive and compassionate leaders.
Fellows were selected based on merit and their previous, current and stated dedication to public service. The program selected 149 fellows from 33 states, 94 universities, and 21 countries.
"Our 2024 fellows are inclusive of emerging changemakers seeking to dedicate their careers to positively impacting the common good, and they join a prestigious legacy of over 5,000 PPIA Fellows," said Estevan Daniel Delgado, executive director of PPIA.
About the Fellowship
The foundation of the PPIA Fellowship is access to the JSI Program. Hosted at some of the top graduate policy schools in the nation, these six-week summer programs prepare students with the knowledge and network to succeed in the field of public service.
Once students have completed the Junior Summer Institute, they join an Alumni Network of more than 5,000 leaders, providing ongoing connections, opportunities, and programs. All alumni enjoy lifetime access to our annual Public Service Expo.
In addition to the opportunities 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 PPIA's Graduate School Consortium.
The Public Policy and International Affairs Program is a not-for-profit organization that has been supporting efforts to increase diversity in graduate studies in public policy and international affairs, and public service for over 40 years.
PPIA believes that our democracy will be stronger, less polarized, and more trustworthy when we ensure those entering public service are more representative, compassionate, and inclusive of American identities and global experiences.