Summer Policy Academy

Summer Policy Academy Dates: June 15 - July 3, 2026

The Summer Policy Academy is an innovative, fully funded, three-week program for college juniors who have demonstrated an interest in public service and can contribute to more diverse perspectives in public policy. Taking place in Washington D.C., and then at one of three partner institutions (UC Berkeley, University of Minnesota, or University of Washington), the Summer Policy Academy connects participants with policymakers and policy frameworks, giving them a firsthand understanding of how public policy can be used to build a more equitable, sustainable, and just world. The program is in partnership with the Volcker Alliance and the Public Policy and International Affairs Program.

The Summer Policy Academy builds upon the rich foundations of the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Junior Summer Institute (JSI), a seven-week intensive that GSPP has hosted since 1982. This new structure maintains the academic rigor and professional development that were the hallmarks of PPIA JSI’s seven-week program while enhancing networking and experiential learning opportunities.

Learn More:

The Program

Week One (Washington, D.C.) – Immersive Public Service Experience

All Summer Policy Academy participants start the program together in Washington, DC., for a week-long “policy boot camp” designed to immerse them in the heart of U.S. policymaking. Highlights include:

  • Inspirational Field Trips: Visits to key institutions such as the GAO, State Department, Capitol Hill, and the Smithsonian to witness public policy in action.
  • Policy Talks & Guest Speakers: Insightful discussions on topics central to governance and public service.
  • Networking & Mentorship: Opportunities to connect with leaders of color and seasoned professionals in the public sector.
  • Cohort Building and Professional Skills Development: Facilitated community-building activities to foster collaboration and establish professional expectations.

Weeks Two and Three (UC Berkeley – Goldman School of Public Policy)

The policy focus area at the UC Berkeley site of the Summer Policy Academy is democracy policy, with special emphasis on the intersection of public policy and law. Students will delve into critical issues of public policy analysis, civic governance, public opinion analysis, and community empowerment. 

Key topics:

  • Public policy and law
  • The “democracy gap”: examining areas where democratic principles fall short in addressing societal needs.
  • Voting and elections, speech and expression, effective co-governance at the state and local levels, legal and social citizenship, media and information security, law, and institutional trust.
  • Training in data analysis, policy memo writing, and the legal mechanisms that transform policy into law.
  • Core Components & Professional Development
  • Policy design, memo writing, and persuasive communication.
  • Quantitative literacy and data visualization.
  • Individual strengths assessment and resilience coaching
  • Graduate education pathways and career readiness.
  • Constructive dialogue for collaborative problem-solving.

Additionally, participants will benefit from mentorship, resume workshops, public speaking training, and opportunities for professional storytelling.

Find additional information HERE

Participant Guidelines

All prospective Summer Policy Academy fellows are expected to dedicate themselves to the traditions and objectives of the program, have an abiding commitment to public service, and contribute to more diverse perspectives in public policy and international affairs. The following are more specific criteria and guidelines:

  • Be a United States citizen or legal permanent resident or meet California State AB-540 guidelines (Must have attended a California high school for at least 3 full years, and you must have graduated from a California high school).
  • Must have completed junior year of college by the start of the program and have at least one full semester or two quarters of coursework remaining before graduation.
  • Have a demonstrated interest in policy issues most affecting historically underserved communities, including African Americans, Asian American/South Asians, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Latino/as, and have a commitment to working on these issues, as shown by past and/or current service.
  • Have demonstrated academic or personal growth in spite of difficult learning and/or living environments.
  • Completing their junior year of college with an expected graduation date between December and August of the following year
  • Must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a professional career associated with public service such as government, nonprofits, humanitarian and international organizations and other related programs.
  • Must contribute to the diversity of perspectives.
  • Economic need is given consideration.
  • All academic majors are welcome to apply.
  • Students who will have graduated with an undergraduate degree by the program start date are not eligible for consideration

Apply

The application for the 2026 Summer Policy Academy is NOW OPEN!

The deadline to apply is December 15, 2025 at 11:59pm PT.

Apply HERE!