PPIA 2020

When Blaine Jones, Assistant Director of Student Services and PPIA Program Director, realized the Public Policy International Affairs Junior Summer Institute would have to go online due to the coronavirus, he was apprehensive. The Junior Summer Institute brings together a cohort of talented and public-service minded undergraduates for a summer intensive designed to prepare them for graduate programs in public policy and law. It is an academically intense, highly bonding experience. Would it translate to an online format?

Thanks to an incredible cohort of students and a cadre of passionate faculty, guest lecturers, alumni, and organizations, the program has exceeded expectations. 

“The students have really taken ownership of the program,” says Blaine. “They’ve worked extremely hard on their assignments,  have stayed engaged, and participated fully, despite the huge hurdle of the pandemic. With each passing week, we're seeing uniquely and collectively their various talents shine through.”

PPIA equips and prepares fellows for graduate school and, ultimately, careers that will allow them to be change agents and leaders in service to marginalized and under-served communities. This year marks the fortieth year of the PPIA Junior Summer Institute at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy. Read on to learn more, meet the fellows and hear about their summer highlights!

Hesham Jarmakani

I learned how significant and rigorously rewarding policy work is, and that (almost) anything can be done via Zoom!

Ivy Aku Allotey

PPIA has made me more aware of how strategic one has to be when preparing for their future.... I am getting out of the habit of following the path, career, or field others want me to follow and creating one that I want to pursue.

Andrea López-Rivera
I've learned that the best way to prepare for graduate school is to start proactively creating pathways from wherever you are: forming professional networks, expanding the breadth of opportunities you considered for your future, and recognizing e the need for continual learning. Success isn't static; you do your best, and acknowledge that achievements aren't quantifiable. Everyone has their own path.

Gabriel Reyes

I learned new ways to analyze policy and statistics in order to be as effective and objective as possible when conducting policy work.

Michael R Sanchez

There are other people my age who truly want to help the world.

Bryan Montes

I am very grateful for having met so many peers and professionals whose goals are to make a positive impact on the world. I was also able to hear from one of the economists I respect the most, Professor Robert Reich.

Sarah Perez

It has been a privilege to be apart of this organization and expand my network into the PPIA community. My peers and the program alumni/faculty are so impressive and even though we're online, I still feel like we have a strong connection and support network.

TJ Tann

Being armed with the knowledge of data and statistics can be a powerful tool to influence policy decisions and can be used as a catalyst to change the country.

Otelo Reggy-Beane

As young leaders from underrepresented communities, our voices and lived expertise are needed now more than ever.

Mabel Tie

I've gotten to meet some incredible folks who inspire me and show me that the path to helping and serving others does not have to be linear.

Soha Saghir

I've learned about the immense power of resilience within communities of color. Not only is this reflected in the accomplishments and passions of my wonderful cohort but also everyone running the program. I know I have a long way to go as I advocate for myself and marginalized communities around the world, but the resilience I have and am further building on will float my boat!

Michelle Fausto

The PPIA program has demonstrated the power of community time and time again. We are in a unique situation, being the first cohort to go fully remote, but we have been able to connect, support each other, share knowledge, and build a community that will last beyond the summer. It has been motivating to interact with likeminded individuals who want to challenge institutions where we continue to be underrepresented. A support system that will uplift one another to pursue their policy interests and passions is invaluable.

Usman Mahmood

I have learned the academic and personal significance of pursuing a graduate degree from alumni, professors, and professionals in the policy field!

Sofia Alvarez

PPIA has exposed me to a diverse group of individuals. I have learned so much about their background and policy interests; I have gained a greater awareness and understanding of the struggles we all face as individuals coming from underrepresented groups.

Alicia Terrero

This program has provided me with an incredibly supportive and encouraging community that motivates me to be a better person and pursue my goals.

Manuel Teran

I've had the opportunity to enhance my quantitative, communication, and policy analysis skills while exploring potential career opportunities and pathways in both public policy and law. Alongside my diverse cohort of wonderful PPIA fellows, I've had the chance to collaborate in numerous projects that challenged him to think outside of the box and challenge my preconceived notions around public policy.

Aldo Javier Garcia

Participating in the PPIA JSI at the Goldman School has been an immense privilege. It has allowed me to engage in important dialogue about the future of policy with colleagues from all around the country. We are putting into practice our quantitative and policy analysis skills while exploring different career paths post undergrad. I am most thrilled to be working with these promising individuals who I know will move onto becoming the game changers of tomorrow.

Tania Harris

Throughout the JSI thus far, Ive gained so much clarity on my future Public Policy Career goals and the skills to pursue my goals.

Lamisa Mustafa

It has been so meaningful connecting with people who are deeply invested in social justice work and, more so, doing this work ethically, responsibly, effectively, holistically, intersectionally, and systemically.

Jesse Nana Amankwaah

The power of community is enough to take us wherever we want to go in this life, and my peers are some of the most incredibly kind people I have ever met.

 Makaio Goods

Participating in PPIA has reinforced that I can create a meaningful difference in our world and that there are people in my corner who want to see me succeed. I’m thankful for my peers, our instructors, and the program’s facilitators who have made this experience remarkable.

Irfan Kovankaya

I learned about both the intersections and conflicts between advocacy and policy. I also learned how to best navigate graduate school applications coming from an underrepresented background.

Aly Diaz

Statistics isn't that scary anymore! I have a newfound passion for numbers!

Rashad Kirksey

Public Policy is essential in a society that longs for change. One must let their passion for the overall betterment of society be the force that drives them to drafting and analyzing good policy.

Emily Luong

I learned about different options to pursue for my gap year before applying to graduate school!