UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON JSI
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The UW Evans School’s JSI program is a rigorous seven-week summer program with a curriculum that includes economics, quantitative methods, policy analysis implementation & evaluation, and leadership & community engagement – all designed to sharpen students’ quantitative, analytic, and leadership skills. At the end of the program, students present a mini-capstone team project on a current policy issue that draws on the skills acquired in their coursework in policy analysis and implementation.
Evans School JSI participants also gain exposure to the breadth and richness of public service in the Pacific Northwest through experiential learning opportunities, including mentorship, field trips, and engagement with community-based practitioners, regional leaders, and elected officials.
The Evans School JSI program is designed to broaden participants’ academic and professional horizons. In addition to interacting with and learning from talented peers, JSI participants learn to analyze and evaluate policies under the guidance of experienced policy practitioners and academics. The combination of analytic skills and substantive knowledge about contemporary policy issues will provide undergraduates with excellent preparation for graduate programs in public policy.
Applicants must:
Have completed at least one course in college-level economics, mathematics, or statistics; or an AP/IB calculus, economics, or statistics course.
Have junior or senior standing in an accredited U.S. college with one or two semesters remaining after completing the summer institute; this includes international students pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited U.S. four-year college or university. Please note: Stipends to international students require additional documentation and review by the UW, which may result in a delay in the availability of the stipend. We therefore encourage our international applicants to be prepared for this possible delay.
Demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to a career in public or international affairs.
COURSES/CURRICULUM
As one of the innovation centers in the United States, Seattle and the state of Washington is a vibrant site for in-depth exploration of how to advance policy innovation. The Junior Summer Institute hosted at the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance will focus upon inspiring public service and showing how public policy – from its origin to its implementation – can be democratized.
Like other JSI sites, there is required coursework over the seven-week program. Each scholar will benefit from classroom instruction in:
ECONOMICS FOR POLICY ANALYSIS
The course combines a multi-disciplinary approach to policy analysis, with focused study on the use of economic tools to analyze policy issues. JSI scholars will gain in-depth knowledge of economic theory and data analysis to help them examine economic and complex social policies.
POLICY ANALYSIS, IMPLEMENTATION, PROGRAM EVALUATION
In this course, scholars will learn common analytical approaches to improving policy, programs, and implementation systems. An overview of policy analysis, (including cost benefit analysis and needs assessment), implementation analysis, (including policy field and organizational audits), and program evaluation, (including process and outcome approaches) will provide a comprehensive menu for exploring the challenges that face society and means for developing appropriate solutions.
QUANTATIVE METHODS FOR POLICY MAKING
In this course, we will explore the basics of formulating research questions and assessing how to assess which statistical tools or research methods are appropriate to answer different types of policy or management questions.
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
In this course, we focus on community engaged leadership where JSI scholars can cultivate the practical skills required to lead in public, not-for-profit and business organizations. Central to this approach are practices that engage others – both in organizations and in larger communities – to create capacity to address societal challenges through public policy.
These courses will be threaded together by consideration of relevant and timely cases of policy innovation happening in Washington staff. Some potential cases include responding to homelessness, reforming policing and supporting community safety, and improving conditions for migrant farmer workers.
ENRICHMENT:
Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the Pacific Northwest and its leaders through a unique mentoring program experience and seminars with the region’s public policy and administration professionals. Our admissions and career development teams will coach fellows through career and graduate school exploration. In the evenings and weekends, students can enjoy the vibrant city of Seattle and neighboring cities with hikes, tours, and meals. Additional opportunities including:
- Shadowing/mentoring program
- Leadership & professional development seminars
- Career planning workshop
- Regional sightseeing
BENEFITS AND FINANCIAL AID
Scholars enrolled in the Evans School JSI receive a $1,000 stipend, intended to cover incidental costs of attending the program. Additionally, participants are provided with meals, housing, and reimbursement for travel to and from the program. Participants live on campus, in shared rooms in the UW dormitories.
PPIA Fellows who successfully complete any PPIA Junior Summer Institute (JSI) and who are admitted to the Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) program at the Evans School will receive a scholarship.
CALENDAR
| Application deadline | November 1, 2023 |
| Notification Sent | February 1, 2024 |
| Program begins | TBD |
| Program ends | TBD |
CONTACT INFORMATION
PPIA Junior Summer Institute
Evans School of Public Policy & Governance
4105 George Washington Lane NE
Parrington Hall, Box 353055
Seattle, WA 98105
Visit UW JSI Website