Next Gen / PPIA Summer Policy Academy

Taking place in Washington D.C., and then at one of three partner institutions (UC Berkeley, University of Minnesota, or University of Washington), the Summer Policy Academy connects participants with policymakers and policy frameworks, giving them a firsthand understanding of how public policy can be used to build a more equitable, sustainable, and just world. The program is in partnership with The Volcker Alliance and the Public Policy and International Affairs Program.

The Summer Policy Academy builds upon the rich foundations of the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute (JSI), a seven-week intensive that Goldman School of Public Policy has hosted since 1982. This new structure maintains the academic rigor and professional development that were the hallmarks of PPIA JSI’s seven-week program while enhancing networking and experiential learning opportunities.

The Program

Week One (Washington, D.C.) – Immersive Public Service Experience
All Summer Policy Academy participants start the program together in Washington, DC., for a week-long “policy boot camp” designed to immerse them in the heart of U.S. policymaking.

Highlights include: Inspirational Field Trips: Visits to key institutions such as the GAO, State Department, Capitol Hill, and the Smithsonian to witness public policy in action.

• Policy Talks & Guest Speakers: Insightful discussions on topics central to governance and public service.
• Networking & Mentorship: Opportunities to connect with leaders of color and seasoned professionals in the public sector.
• Cohort Building and Professional Skills Development: Facilitated community-building activities to foster collaboration and establish professional expectations.

Weeks Two and Three  (UC Berkeley – Goldman School of Public Policy)

The policy focus area at the UC Berkeley site of the Summer Policy Academy is democracy policy, with special emphasis on the intersection of public policy and law. Students will delve into critical issues of public policy analysis, civic governance, public opinion analysis, and community empowerment. 

Key Topics

• Public policy and law
• The “democracy gap”: examining areas where democratic principles fall short in addressing societal needs.
• Voting and elections, speech and expression, effective co-governance at the state and local levels, legal and social citizenship, media and information security, law, and institutional trust.
• Training in data analysis, policy memo writing, and the legal mechanisms that transform policy into law.
• Core Components & Professional Development
• Policy design, memo writing, and persuasive communication.
• Quantitative literacy and data visualization.
• Individual strengths assessment and resilience coaching
• Graduate education pathways and career readiness.
• Constructive dialogue for collaborative problem-solving.

Additionally, participants will benefit from mentorship, resume workshops, public speaking training, and opportunities for professional storytelling.