The Graduate Policy Scholars program provides students from all fields of study with impactful opportunities and training in policy. Offered by the Clark-Fox Policy Institute in partnership with the Social Policy Institute, the yearlong program provides students with opportunities to develop skills in advocacy, analysis and/or organizing.
During the program, students receive guidance and mentorship tailored to their unique interests. To learn more about the Graduate Policy Scholars program, click here.
Below, ten scholars share how they plan on using what they’ve learned from the program to advance equity.
Nia Montoute
(Brown School – MSW)
“Through a racial equity lens, I aim to use my policy skills to enhance the lives of those who have been historically left out of the legislative process through advocacy for economic development and prosperity in Black communities. “
Jada Foster
(Brown School – MSW)
“For nearly two decades, I have been an advocate for the empowerment and protection of school-aged children and their mothers. I will continue to use my policy writing skills to advocate for early childhood sexuality education and the importance of body autonomy for mental health.”
Carlos Salazar-Lermont
(Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts – MFA)
“My goal is to keep developing my sensibility to complex realities, and to strengthen my agency to enhance the living experiences of communities and individuals through art.“
Portia Nartey
(Brown School – MSW)
“With my enhanced policy and advocacy skills, I plan to continue advocating for women and girls to be safe and protected from violence – and to be supported to achieve their maximum wellbeing and development.“
Jon Colarelli
(Brown School – MSW)
“Throughout my career, I will advocate for innovative policy solutions that promote high-quality jobs and stable housing for families across the income spectrum.“
Aurora Chen
(Olin Business School – MBA, Brown School – MPH)
“I hope to use my policy and advocacy skills to arouse attention to elder care and active response to the problem of the aging population.“
Katie Cobetto
(Brown School – MSW)
“I plan to use my policy and advocacy skills to increase access to effective trauma treatment and to better help and protect individuals navigating healthcare and mental healthcare systems.“
Tyler Frank
(Brown School – Public Health Sciences PhD)
“I aim to advocate for racial equity in policymaking and bridge the gap between research and practice by engaging in transdisciplinary work across industries and sectors.“
Scott Millar
(Brown School – MSW)
“I hope to work closely with legislators and others on veteran issues and policy. Especially policy that helps and supports survivors of Military Sexual Trauma.“
Amal Taylor
(WUSM – MD, Brown School MPH )
“I aim to use my policy and advocacy skills to improve eye and vision health and reduce preventable blindness, especially in under-served and minority communities.“