Three University of Richmond Juniors to Participate in Selective Public Policy and International Affairs Program

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — Three rising seniors at the University of Richmond have been chosen to participate in the Public Policy and International Affairs Program’s Junior Summer Institute. Currently, the Institute is monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and is planning to proceed with the programs, which will take place later this summer.  

The PPIA Junior Summer Institute Fellowship Program is a fully-funded, graduate-level preparation program for undergraduate juniors committed to public service careers. Fellows gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in top graduate programs in public policy, public administration, international affairs, or a related field.

This is the first time University of Richmond has had three students chosen for the program in a single year.

Jesse Amankwaah, a rising senior political science and leadership studies double major from Ewing, New Jersey, will complete his experience at the Richard and Rhoda Goldman School of Public Policy at University of California, Berkeley. The fellowship will help Amankwaah achieve his goal of pursuing both a master’s degree in public policy and a J.D. in law.

“I hope to be well equipped with the knowledge base and network to better fight for others," said Amankwaah. 

Gabe Josephs, a rising senior political science and history double major from Freeport, Bahamas, will complete his experience at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan.

“As a fellow, I hope that I will begin on the path toward acquiring the skills necessary for me to give a more granular, quantitative scope to the problem of socioeconomic inequality and the proposed remedies to this social and economic ailment,” said Josephs.

TJ Tann, a rising senior leadership studies major from West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will complete his experience at the Richard and Rhoda Goldman School of Public Policy at University of California, Berkeley. 

“I hope to gain the hard skills necessary to create, debate and think about policy and further deepen my understanding of not only the magnitude of issues such as fair housing and education, but also what I can do in my capacity to push the agenda for larger scale change,” said Tann.   

More information on Public Policy and International Affairs program can be found at ppiaprogram.org.

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