Your Cohort Captain Portal

Lead boldly. Rally your peers. Take one action today that unites your class and advances PPIA’s future. Follow these steps.

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Step 1

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Become a PPIA Cohort Captain

No matter your current role location, you can lead from where you are.

What Is A Cohort Captain?

A Cohort Captain reconnects their Junior Summer Institute classmates, spreads awareness, and encourages support for PPIA and the Opportunity Campaign.

Anyone can be one.

Why It Matters

You know your class. That connection makes you the best person to rally support whether it’s sharing a story, donating, or getting others involved.

What Captains Do

Captains reconnect their PPIA cohort, encourage stories and donations, share PPIA with your networks and keep the spirit of your Junior Summer Institute class alive.  You’re not alone as co-captains are welcome!

One Cohort But Many Ways To Lead

There’s no single right way to contribute. Some of these ideas can help you bring ideas to life, your way.

  • Digital Engagement

    Amplify PPIA’s mission and your cohort’s impact through simple, meaningful actions online.



    • Start a Subgroup: Create a LinkedIn or WhatsApp subgroup for your cohort, region, or sector.

    • Throwback Photo: Post a photo from your Junior Summer Institute experience and tag PPIA.

    • Celebrate Others: Comment on a PPIA Fellow’s job change, graduate school acceptance, or achievement to keep alumni connected.

    • Use Hashtags:  Add #PPIAProgram, #PPIAOpportunityCampaign, or #PPIAThenAndNow to increase discoverability.

    • Update Your LinkedIn: Mention your PPIA Fellowship in your headline or “About” section.

  • Storytelling & Spotlighting

    Shine a light on alumni journeys to inspire others and strengthen community pride.


    • Nominate a Peer: Recommend a cohort member for a “Cohort Shoutout” in the PPIA Newsletter.  Send a message to Ray Orquiola, Chair, PPIA Fundraising & Community Partnerships at ray.orquiola@ppiaprogram.org.

    • Then & Now : Share your #PPIAThenAndNow transformation story with a before-and-after photo.

    • Zoom Story Swap: Host a quick recorded Zoom with a peer sharing how PPIA shaped your paths.


    • Collect Quotes: Gather short (3-sentence) testimonials from your cohort and email them to Ray Orquiola, Chair, PPIA Fundraising & Community Partnerships at ray.orquiola@ppiaprogram.org.

  • Mini Gatherings & Reunions

    Create meaningful reconnections—virtually or in-person.


    • Host a Zoom: Organize a casual Zoom coffee for your cohort to reconnect.

    • Host A PPIA Story Night: Gather 4–5 Fellows (Zoom) for short storytelling rounds  about how PPIA shaped their path. Record one-minute clips to share with Ray Orquiola, Chair, PPIA Fundraising & Community Partnerships at ray.orquiola@ppiaprogram.org.

    • Plan a Meetup: Arrange a small regional meetup or happy hour for alumni nearby.

    • Buddy Chats: Pair up cohort members for one-on-one “catch-up” conversations.

    • Themed Discussions: Host a virtual hour around a topic like “Policy in Practice” or “Life After The Junior Summer Institute.”

  • Mentorship & Peer Support

    Help current Fellows or recent alumni feel seen, heard, and supported.


    • Join a Panel: Volunteer to speak on an alumni Q&A for current Junior Summer Institute students.

    • Share Your Journey: Talk about your grad school or job search process in a post or newsletter blurb.

    • Offer Mentorship: Sign up to mentor a current or recent Fellow in your field.

    • Voice Memo Advice – Record a short voice memo offering encouragement to current Fellows.

  • Micro Actions

    Small actions, big ripple effects. Perfect for busy schedules.


    • Grow the Network: Add two alumni to the LinkedIn PPIA alumni group.

    • Forward & Invite:  Share a recent PPIA email with 3 friends or colleagues.

    • Employer Support: Send one email to your employer about funding or partnering with PPIA.

    • Activate a Peer: Personally invite one alum to donate or share their story.

    • Donate Symbolically: Give $20.05 in honor of your Junior Summer Institute year.

  • Cohort Newsletter Digest

    Keep your cohort connected and visible in the monthly alumni update.


    • Then & Now Feature: Submit a quick story of how you’ve grown since your Junior Summer Institute.

    • Share Good News: Send in job promotions, awards, grad school milestones, or media coverage.

    • Nominate a Star: Highlight your cohort’s “Unsung Hero” or behind-the-scenes supporter.

    • Write a Recap: Submit a short paragraph with updates or reflections from your cohort team.  Send a your content to Ray Orquiola, Chair, PPIA Fundraising & Community Partnerships at ray.orquiola@ppiaprogram.org.