Welcoming the 2021 Howard Scholar at McCourt, Quentin Byrd

The McCourt School is excited to announce Quentin Byrd as the first Howard Scholar at McCourt recipient. The Howard Scholar program, launched in February 2021, is a full-tuition scholarship for one Howard University student or alumnus to attend a McCourt School of Public Policy graduate degree program.

Graduating from Howard University in May with a bachelor’s of business administration, Byrd will join the McCourt School’s Master of Public Policy Evening Program (MPP-EP) in the fall.

Passion for policy

Byrd grew up in a suburb outside of Atlanta, Georgia with a passion for politics and a desire to learn more about business and economics, which led him to pursue his undergraduate studies at Howard University.

Studying in the nation’s capital, surrounded by passionate civic and business leaders, served as a launchpad for Byrd to pursue his interests in policy and finance. While at Howard, Byrd interned for Congressman Al Green, chair of the United States House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Byrd also gained experience interning within city government in both DC and his hometown, Fayetteville. These experiences further fueled Byrd’s passion for policy, especially at the local level.

“You can create such great impact at the local level,” Byrd explained. “You know the people in the community and you can see the direct results of your efforts.”

Dedicated student leader

As a student, Byrd was awarded the Fayette County NAACP Academic Achievement Award and selected to represent Howard University at the 2019 Congressional Black Caucus HBCU Braintrust Conference with two fellow students. Additionally, he studied abroad at the Corvinus University of Budapest and served as a senator in the Howard University Student Association Senate representing students in the business school.

While considering graduate schools, Byrd attended Georgetown’s Public Policy and International Affairs Public Service Weekend, which solidified his decision to join the McCourt School.

“I heard from several McCourt professors and participated in a case study that weekend,” said Byrd. “It opened my eyes to quantitative ways to create and build community through policy.”

The McCourt School is thrilled to welcome Byrd this fall. Byrd is equally excited and looks forward to seeing more Howard Scholars at McCourt in the future.