Every year looks a little bit different, but the students are always smart, caring, and dynamic, said Alex Ralph, a teaching professor who just finished up his 12th summer with the Ford School’s Public Policy & International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute program. Hailing from 20 distinct colleges and universities, the rising seniors started the summer with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds in public policy. Over seven weeks, they formed a small but strong community that challenges and supports one another. For many of them, it is a life-affirming and life-changing experience, said Ralph.
Below are a few reflections from students, faculty, and staff.
Highlights and experiences:
“The guest lunches allowed me to ask questions and build meaningful connections with both faculty members and professionals from various policy fields. I really enjoyed meeting Lou Fintor, a U.S. diplomat with a 25-year career. His insights during our diplomacy lab migration crisis simulation were captivating, and learning about his extensive and dynamic career was truly inspiring.” -Jared Allyn, Cleveland State University
“Being able to make connections [with professors] is something I would not normally be able to have, so it was a really cool experience.” -Kate Moe, Whitman College
"The banquet at the end of the program [was a highlight]. More specifically, when my microeconomics professor awarded me the Superlative for “Most Likely to Become a Policy Professor.” To be frank, economics is not at all my forte, but it was always a field I wanted to understand better. ... When you add on top of that the banquet’s emotional farewells, picture autographs, and imparting wisdom we all shared, you could easily feel the aura of great potential that each of us could achieve goals we once thought were unachievable." -Tony Ordoukhanian, University of California, Berkeley
“Tubing the Huron River.” -James Shiang, University of Connecticut
What will stick with you?
“I have a newfound sense of confidence. Initially, I had some doubts about my academic and career potential, but by the end of the program, I feel better prepared to face future challenges. I entered PPIA with a fairly clear vision for my future, and the program helped me solidify my aspirations and provided clarity on how to turn my dreams into reality.” -Jared Allyn
“Before this program, I really did not think I was going to get a masters or pursue higher education. … I am coming out of this program with a newfound grit to get it done.” -Kate Moe
"[The program] answered many questions I had about career routes, academic plans, and personal growth. It mapped out a trajectory for graduate school applications, pre-grad employment opportunities, and fulfilled my sense of purpose for education policy research. ... There is one lesson that will stick with me – public policy is a field of constant learning. No policy expert, legislator, or professor learned about how to design effective policies and analyze current issues through strict discipline in the classroom. They learned about these things with passion and curiosity in the chambers of government, volunteer work, political campaigns, and client projects. The policy classroom exposes you to tools, resources, and practice for the real-world. The real-world is where you actually examine your skills, gain insightful knowledge, and build wisdom that prepares you for greater challenges. This is what makes policy students become policy leaders; leaders that started off and continue to be constituents that are dedicated to the public good. -Tony Ordoukhanian
“I now have 23 other best friends who are in the public policy journey with me and I'll be able to connect with them in the future.” -James Shiang
Faculty and staff reflections:
“Teaching in the PPIA summer program is always a rewarding experience. The students give me such a sense of optimism about the future. They are smart, caring, and passionate about making our country and world a better place. I know that they are going to go out and do great things, and I am happy to be a small part of their growth.”
-Jonathan Hanson, public policy lecturer who teaches statistics and the use of data in public policy.
“It is one of the most affirming educational settings. It’s a privilege to work with these students, who are serious about their education, passionate about the world, and deeply compassionate with each other. It feels so hopeful about what the U.S. is and what education can be. At the conclusion of it, I always can’t believe this program exists, and I’m so grateful that it does.”
-Alex Ralph, teaching professor
"The 2024 PPIA JSI cohort blew me away with their academic dedication, intellectual curiosity, and passion for public service. During our final banquet, it was clear every student was leaving Ford with not only a deeper understanding of the field, but also a network of support and a community they can tap into along their academic and professional journeys."
-Logan Corey, Ford School PPIA program coordinator
