Watson Equity in Policy Scholars Program

Earn your MPA degree as a Watson Equity in Policy Scholar.

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Watson Equity in Policy Scholars Program

Earn your MPA degree as a Watson Equity in Policy Scholar.

The Watson Equity in Policy Scholars program is a scholarship and leadership development opportunity for academically-excellent students admitted into and entering the Master of Public Affairs at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs. 

Participants receive generous financial support including a full-tuition scholarship and funding to help support living costs, and will participate in leadership development, mentorship, and enriching community building experiences to complement their experience as students in the MPA program.

Today’s societal landscape requires leaders from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas to enact inclusive and impactful solutions to address the challenges of disparity and inequity in policy and public affairs. 

Our program aims to identify, prepare, and equip future leaders admitted into the Brown MPA who demonstrate a commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, with the leadership tools, community, and experiences needed to launch their impact in policy.

 

To ensure that top students, regardless of financial barriers, can maximize their time and experience as an MPA student at Brown, the Equity in Policy Scholars Program will award selected scholars  with:

  • A full-tuition scholarship 
  • A $20,000 stipend to help meet living expenses
  • $3,250 fellowship to support a research or service-learning opportunity
  • A $500 individual professional development fund to use throughout the year

A key component of the Watson Equity in Policy Scholars Program is to foster our scholars’ sense of connection with one another, their cohort, alumni, and the greater Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs community. This will be done through mentorship and community-building opportunities that will include:

  • 1:1 mentorship with a Brown alumni
  • Exclusive access to group mentorship sessions with Watson Policy Mentors and other policy and public affairs leaders visiting the Watson Institute
  • Community building networking events with Watson faculty, staff, alumni, and friends
  • Attend two annual mentorship summits hosted at Watson

Attend four skills-based sessions throughout the year focused on developing leadership and equity in policy, including topics such as strategic communication, inclusive leadership, and more.