Date October 28, 2024

Watson Equity in Policy Scholars Program has launched and is open for applications

By Pete Bilderback

Applications are now open for the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs Master of Public Affairs Program's Equity in Policy Scholars program, a scholarship and leadership development program designed to increase the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives in public policy making.

Brown's Master of Public Affairs (MPA) Program, housed at the Watson Institute, encourages eligible students to apply for its Watson Equity in Policy Scholars Program, a development opportunity for academically excellent students admitted and entering the MPA program in the summer of 2025.

"The Watson Equity in Scholars Program was created to increase diversity in Brown's Master of Public Affairs program and, in turn, public policy circles in general," said Catherine Rodarte, associate director of admissions and recruitment for the MPA Program, who is also leading the development and operation of the program for the MPA Team. "The program supports leadership development, mentorship and enriching experiences to select academically excellent students from diverse backgrounds and perspectives who are entering Watson's MPA Program," she said.

"One of the core features of the program is to provide Watson Equity in Policy Scholars with generous funding to reduce the financial barriers that might get in the way of accessing our MPA program and, in turn, becoming a public affairs leader," said Rodarte. Students selected for the program will receive a full-tuition scholarship, a stipend to help meet living expenses, a fellowship to support a research or service-learning opportunity and an individual professional development fund to use throughout the year.

Rodarte noted that the program's scope is broad. "It's open to graduates of HBCUs, HSIs and Tribal Colleges and Universities," she said. "It's also open to participants of a Federal TRIO Program, STARS (Small Town and Rural Students), U.S. Veterans and U.S. Military Active Duty Personnel, first-generation college graduates, Rhode Island residents and overall rising leaders with a demonstrated commitment to equity within public affairs."

Full eligibility requirements for the program can be found on the MPA Program website.

By investing in equity through this program, we are modeling the kind of action necessary to tackle the great policy challenges of the present and future.

David Blanding Faculty Director of the Master of Public Affairs Program

Faculty Director of the MPA Program, David Blanding, explained, "Fundamentally, the Equity in Policy Scholars program is about ensuring that every student who exits our program has the opportunity to become powerful agents of change, regardless of the barriers they may have faced before they entered." He noted that Watson considers equity "a core public service value," and that "By investing in equity through this program, we are modeling the kind of action necessary to tackle the great policy challenges of the present and future."

"Beyond providing impactful financial support, this program will provide students with additional and enhanced leadership development and networking opportunities while earning their MPA degree. We will leverage the expertise of policy leaders connected to Watson to equip our students with the leadership tools necessary to elevate their careers in public affairs," said Rodarte. She also noted the program will offer a variety of sessions throughout the year to train students on topics such as strategic communication and inclusive leadership “to ensure that when they finish their time at Brown, not only do they have a robust skill set and academic training from the core elements of our traditional MPA, but they have additional experiences and networks rooted in equity and leadership to launch their careers & impact as policy leaders.”

Another important component of the program is the mentorship and connections with Brown alumni that the MPA program will facilitate. Equity in Policy Scholars will receive one-on-one mentoring with a Brown alumnus and exclusive access to group mentorship sessions with Watson Policy Mentors and other policy and public affairs leaders. Scholars will also attend community-building, networking, and mentorship events with Watson faculty, staff, alumni and friends.

"This is an especially exciting time at Watson as we're building this program," said Rodarte. "We look forward to engaging alumni, facilitators and Watson community members as we develop inaugural year activities and welcome our first cohort of Equity in Policy Scholars among the MPA Class of 2025," she said. In addition, the 2025 MPA cohort will be the first to enter the program as part of Brown's new School of International and Public Affairs, launching on July 1, 2025. The new school will build upon the Watson Institute's foundation, with its faculty, staff, and scholarly work forming the bedrock of this expanded mission in international and public affairs.

Applications to the MPA program are due January 15, 2025. Students interested in the Equity in Scholars Program must submit an additional essay within their application to be considered for the program. Applicants or interested individuals with questions about the program can contact the Associate Director of Admissions and Recruitment for the MPA program, Catherine Rodarte.