Program Spotlight: Students in Service through the Public Policy Internships Project

Over seven weeks this summer, PPIP class sessions explored public policy and government. They also covered discussion topics suggested by students including social media coverage of current events, police reform, Black and people of color representation in media, time management, self-development, and self-advocacy. 

For some students, PPIP was their first introduction to working with nonprofit groups and local officials in ways that directly impact their own communities. Their internship contributions ranged from creating marketing materials and newsletters to engaging residents in services and creating resources on safely reopening during the pandemic. Despite internships being remote this year, there were a few opportunities to participate in socially distanced outdoor events. Eleventh grader Gabriela P. (XXXVIII) interned with the Office of State Senator Robert Jackson, who happens to represent her district. She participated in a park cleanup the office hosted at Inwood Park, which was a place she frequented before but had not realized was cared for by local residents and volunteers. “Being able to know what’s going on in my own community made me feel even more invested in helping my community in the future.” 

In addition to learning in classes and internships, students developed critical thinking, research, and public speaking skills around a PPIP theme, culminating in a final presentation. For this year’s theme, Journalism and the Free Press, students interviewed over a dozen writers, journalists, and editors from a range of publications to discuss their craft and how their work may influence public policy. Among those guests were several Prep alums in news, entertainment, philanthropy, and culture sharing their perspectives on what informs their choices of subject matter and often nonlinear career paths. 

High school senior Elizabeth L. (XXXVII) asked each guest speaker whether they considered themselves activists in their work or in their choice of subject matter. She shared that PPIP led to a lot of self-reflection for her own journey. “Six months ago, I wouldn't have called myself an activist,” said Elizabeth in the final presentation, “but now I feel much more empowered in using my voice and making a difference in my own way. The things I learned from the speakers and at my internship [with The Financial Clinic] will help me continue to forge a path in activism by educating myself and giving me the opportunity to educate others.” 

We are thankful to all of our partners for hosting PPIP student interns this year: 

The Financial Clinic 
The Hope Program
New York Communities for Change 
Office of Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. 
Office of State Senator Robert Jackson 
Staten Island Not for Profit Association 
Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State 

We are grateful to all of the speakers who have shared their time to engage in honest conversations with our students: 

Jessica Bruder
Vinson Cunningham (XIX) 
Elbert Garcia (IX) 
Amy Goodman
Lovia Gyarkye (XXVIII) 
Florian Koenigsberger (XXIV) 
Judith Ohikuare (XXII) 
Amara Omeokwe-Davis (P9 XIII) 
Damaso Reyes (XII) 
Andrew Ricketts (XVII) 
Matthew Trammel (P9 XVIII) 
Lauren Williams (P9 XIII)
Andrew Wong (XXII)