PPIA Public Service Weekend

The Public Policy and International Affairs Program (PPIA) is a not-for-profit organization that has been supporting efforts to increase diversity in graduate studies in public policy and international affairs, and public service for over 40 years.

Public Service Weekends include a weekend of free programming (travel and transportation costs not included) for undergraduate students interested in either public policy or international affairs.

• Engage with IR and policy experts
• Explore careers in public service
• Participate in professional development activities
• Network with other future leaders in the fields of public policy and international affairs

Undergraduate students at a 4-year college or university (preference given to rising juniors, seniors or 2023 graduates) who will be living or working in the Washington, DC area for the Fall 2023 semester. Applicants outside the DC area are also welcome to apply but will be responsible for their own transportation and housing costs (only a limited number of modest travel stipends will be awarded). Candidates should have an interest in global affairs and public service.

Our Public Service Weekend will be held in person, on Georgetown’s Hilltop campus in Washington, DC. The weekend events are free to attend and will include materials and refreshments on all three days. Transportation and travel is not included.

Friday, November 3, 2023: 5:00pm- 8:30pm
Saturday, November 4, 2023: 9:00am- 8:00pm
Sunday, November 5, 2023: 9:00am- 2:00pm

Friday, November 3rd
5:00 – 6:00pm | Optional Campus Tour with current students
6:00 – 6:30pm | Students arrive & grab food + case study dissemination
6:30 – 7:00pm | Welcome from McCourt and SFS Deans
7:00 – 7:30pm | Icebreaker Activity
7:30 – 8:30pm | Opening speaker

Saturday, November 4th
9:00 – 10:00am | Breakfast
10:00 – 11:00am | Lecture on case study topic
11:00am – 12:00pm | Lecture + Facilitated discussion on the case study
12:00 – 1:00pm | Alumni panel on a policy topic and careers in public policy and international relations
1:00 – 2:30pm | Networking lunch with alumni and current student leaders
2:30 – 3:30pm | Lecture and facilitated activity with the SFS Career Center
3:30 – 5:00pm | Break
5:00 – 8:00pm | Plated dinner with Keynote Speaker on Public Service in International Affairs

Sunday, November 5th
9:00 – 10:00am | Breakfast and professional headshots
10:00 – 11:00am | Discussion group with GU Politics Fellows on careers and diversity in public service
11:00am – 12:00pm | Presentation by McCourt and SFS admissions on applying to graduate school
12:00 – 1:00pm | Lunch
1:00 – 2:00pm | Closing speaker

Application Deadline: September 15, 2023 (application closed)

Application Materials include:

• Demographic Information
• Resume
• Unofficial undergraduate transcript(s)
• Short essay: “What about your background or experiences has inspired you to explore a career in public policy or international affairs?” (300-500 words)