News Summary
Texas A&M University has introduced the Public Policy Scholars Program (PPSP) to enhance internship offerings in Washington, D.C., while celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Public Policy Internship Program. The inaugural group includes nine students across seven schools within the Texas A&M System. The program connects students with over 200 offices, enabling practical experience and academic learning through a combination of internships and classes. Students gain valuable networking opportunities as they explore future careers in public policy.
College Station, Texas – Texas A&M University has recently launched a new Public Policy Scholars Program (PPSP), expanding its internship offerings in Washington, D.C. This initiative comes as the university celebrates the 25th anniversary of its Public Policy Internship Program (PPIP) and the Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program (ANRP). The PPSP will include students from all campuses within the Texas A&M University System, thereby enhancing its reach and impact.
The inaugural group of the Public Policy Scholars Program consists of nine students representing seven different schools within the Texas A&M System. This initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to provide hands-on experiences for students interested in public policy careers. The program has developed connections with over 200 offices in the nation’s capital, including congressmen’s offices, federal agencies, and lobbying firms. Such partnerships facilitate significant opportunities for student interns.
Students in the program will participate in three days of internships each week, coupled with three days of political science classes at the D.C. Bush School. This structure allows them to integrate their real-world experiences with academic learning. The program also offers support with internship placements and housing throughout the duration of their time in Washington, D.C.
Among the participants is Miranda Martinez, a history senior from Texas A&M Corpus Christi, who interned at the A&M Federal Relations Office. Her role involved working on federal funding efforts, which she believes has been crucial in shaping her future career path. Raniyah Edwards, a sophomore from Prairie View A&M, interned in Congressman Adrian Smith’s office and was responsible for handling Japanese Caucus meetings and networking opportunities. Edwards highlighted the importance of building professional connections during her internship, viewing them as beneficial for future employment prospects.
Another participant, Alison Sweeney, a junior from West Texas A&M, interned in Congressman Keith Self’s office. Sweeney expressed gratitude for the opportunities presented by the program, which she believes has broadened her horizons. Brandon Rea, a senior from Texas A&M, gained insights into legislative processes while interning for Congressman Henry Cuellar. His experience underscored the importance of collaboration in public policy work.
The PPSP is designed not only to provide practical experience but also to equip students with vital networks that can assist them in their professional journeys. James Palacios, a graduate from Texas A&M and program manager for policy internship programs, has expressed aspirations for the program’s growth, aiming to enroll students from all campuses within the Texas A&M System.
The overall success of the PPIP, which has supported approximately 1,300 students since its establishment in 1999, sets a strong foundation for the new Public Policy Scholars Program. The initiative aims to empower students to explore their interests in public policy while establishing connections that will benefit them in their future careers. By merging academic learning with practical internship experience, Texas A&M continues to prepare the next generation of public policy professionals effectively.
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Additional Resources
- The Battalion: Public Policy Scholars Program
- Wikipedia: Public Policy
- The Battalion: Aggie Women in D.C.
- Google Search: Aggie Women in D.C.
- Study International: Leaders in International Affairs
- Google Scholar: International Affairs
- AG Daily: Diversity in Agriculture Intern
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Diversity in Agriculture
- The Battalion: United in Memory
- Google News: United in Memory
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