Cierra Wornum ‘21, a Political Science and Journalism double major and Talent Development Scholar, was recently accepted to the prestigious Public Policy & International Affairs Junior Summer Institute (PPIA JSI). PPIA works to promote the inclusion of underrepresented groups in public service, providing fully funded learning opportunities to undergraduates interested in policy making, government, and international affairs — areas in which Cierra already has a strong track record. Participants receive a stipend for their seven weeks in Ann Arbor, and upon completion of the program, are guaranteed a graduate school fellowship worth a minimum of a quarter tuition.

Cierra, a South Kingstown native, has already worked as an intern in U.S. Senator Jack Reed’s Cranston office, and is a URI Student Senate Liaison for the Diversity Committee. She will be attending the JSI at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor’s Ford School of Public Policy. As part of the seven week program, Cierra will be enrolled in intensive courses in statistics, microeconomics, as well as assorted policy modules meant to address current issues in public policy.

Students will attend regular meetings with PPIA Career Services specialists and graduate school admissions advisors, and will attend a full-length Kaplan GRE preparation course.The program also features weekly lunch meetings with faculty of the Ford School and guest speakers, all geared towards fostering an environment of professional growth, and career preparation.

Cierra knows she would like to pursue a graduate-level degree in public policy, and hopes that the PPIA JSI will help her narrow her focus, and contribute to an advanced understanding of public policy in today’s world.