Public Policy New Voices 2025 Cohort: Supporting Early-Career, Underrepresented Graduate Students of Color


Welcome to the Public Policy New Voices (PPNV) 2025 Cohort Application! This groundbreaking program is dedicated to addressing systemic barriers and fostering inclusion for underrepresented people of color in public policy careers. Before you apply, please carefully review the details below to ensure your submission meets all requirements.
What is the PPNV Program?
The PPNV Program is a collaboration between leading public policy graduate schools, corporate public policy teams, and innovative global advisory firms. It is designed to support early-career, underrepresented graduate students of color by creating opportunities for career development, networking, and representation in policy-focused roles.
Key Program Features
Forty Fellows will be selected for the 2025 PPNV Cohort, participating in a virtual, year-long fellowship featuring:
- Building Block Skills: Equip Fellows with essential skills to stand out in the job market.
- Network and Industry Exposure: Build a professional network and gain valuable industry insights.
- Cohort Connections: Foster a supportive, tight-knit community among Fellows.
- Internship Matching: Support Fellows in applying for paid internships within PPNV partner organizations.
Key Program Features
Forty Fellows will be selected for the 2025 PPNV Cohort, participating in a virtual, year-long fellowship featuring:
- Building Block Skills: Equip Fellows with essential skills to stand out in the job market.
- Network and Industry Exposure: Build a professional network and gain valuable industry insights.
- Cohort Connections: Foster a supportive, tight-knit community among Fellows.
- Internship Matching: Support Fellows in applying for paid internships within PPNV partner organizations.
Program Structure
- Duration: February 2025 – February 2026
- Session Calendar:
- 12 Monthly Thematic Sessions: Held on the first Wednesday of each month (6:00–7:30 PM or 7:00–8:30 PM ET).
- 6 Bi-Monthly Community-Building Sessions: Held every other month on the third Wednesday (6:00–7:00 PM ET).
Group Leads
Five Fellows will serve as Group Leads, facilitating engagement and leading activities. Group Leads will:
- Manage group participation.
- Co-lead sessions and facilitate discussions.
- Act as the primary liaison with the Program Lead.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a U.S.-based graduate degree program (Master’s, Doctoral, Law, or Dual Degree).
- Self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC).
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient.
By applying, candidates commit to:
- Advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in public policy.
- Actively attending at least 80% of sessions (15/18).
- Submitting a reflection paper at the end of the fellowship.
Application Timeline
- Deadline: January 29, 2025, or when all 40 spots are filled.
- Interviews: Shortlisted applicants may be invited to a virtual interview. Exceptional candidates may be accepted without an interview.
- Program Launch: February 26, 2025, with a dynamic kickoff event.
How to Apply
Don’t miss this opportunity to join a transformative program and contribute to a more inclusive public policy landscape. Apply now and become part of the PPNV 2025 Cohort!