Earn Your Spot in Public Service Leadership – 2026 PPIA Junior Summer Institute (JSI) Fellowship

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Are you passionate about shaping policy, driving social change, and preparing for a career in international affairs or public service? The 2026 PPIA Junior Summer Institute (JSI) Fellowship is your pathway to building the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to become a future leader.

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🏛️ About the Organisation

The Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Program is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing diversity and leadership capacity in public service. With a strong alumni network of over 5,000 professionals, PPIA has built a legacy of empowering underrepresented students to pursue graduate studies and impactful careers in government, NGOs, and international institutions.

📌 Background & Context

Founded on the belief that representation matters, PPIA has developed programs to ensure students from all walks of life gain access to elite training and career pathways. The flagship Junior Summer Institute prepares students before their senior year, giving them a competitive edge for graduate programs in public policy and international affairs.

📖 About the Fellowship

The JSI Fellowship is an intensive seven-week academic program designed to:

Build advanced skills in economics, statistics, policy analysis, and leadership.
Provide exposure to critical issues shaping governance and international relations.
Connect fellows to career opportunities in public service and global leadership.
Strengthen pathways into top graduate schools.

Graduates of the JSI enter the PPIA Alumni Network and gain access to the Public Service Expo—a hub for career growth, mentorship, and networking.

👩‍🎓 Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following:

Be a current junior pursuing their first bachelor’s degree at a U.S.-based institution.
Expected graduation between December 2026 – August 2027.
Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA recipients for all JSI programs.
International students are eligible only for the Princeton JSI, provided they are enrolled in a U.S.-based institution.

🎁 Benefits

Rigorous preparation for graduate school.
Access to top professors and policy experts.
Entry into the PPIA network of 5,000+ alumni across government, academia, and nonprofits.
Opportunities to attend the annual Public Service Expo.