Practice and Prepare

Be prepared to answer the questions your peers are already asking — and help them understand how they can be part of PPIA’s future.

ABOUT PPIA'S REFRAMED STRATEGY

Why is PPIA reframing its strategy now?

• We’re responding to a shifting legal, philanthropic, and political environment. 
• With a startup mindset, our strategy focuses on scaling for greater impact — reaching more students through Consortium Schools, expanding programming beyond Junior Summer Institute (JSI), and ensuring long-term relevance and sustainability.

What’s different about this new direction?

• We’re introducing new, scalable touchpoints — like 3-day Explorer Seminars, a tiered Leadership Academy, and mentoring pathways — to meet students and alumni where they are. 
• We’re also testing new revenue-generating models to diversify funding.

What’s staying the same?

• Our values, commitment to JSI, and belief in leadership development through public service. 
• We’re still focused on access, opportunity, and alumni pathways — just doing more of it.
• Why focus on alumni now?
• Alumni are our leadership pipeline, employer network, and mentor bench. 
• Engaging alumni fuels the cycle of giving, guiding, and growing the next generation

WAYS TO SUPPORT

How can alumni support without giving money?

• Share your story. 
• Host a virtual seminar. 
• Amplify PPIA on social. 
• Mentor a student.
• Your visibility and advocacy are essential to our growth.

Why should I give now?

• You’re not just giving — you’re shaping what’s next. 
• Your support helps us pilot new ideas, fund student needs, and build infrastructure for the long haul.

Where does my gift go?

• Directly to programs that expand access, support alumni, and build national infrastructure — from microgrants and transportation to new curriculum and leadership tracks.

What if I can’t give much?

• Even $25 makes a difference — helping cover fees or local travel for a student attending a seminar. 
• Every gift opens doors.
• How do I know my donation is making an impact?
• We share metrics, testimonials, and impact stories regularly.
• As a startup-style nonprofit, we’re transparent about both our wins and our learning.

Reinforce how PPIA’s new strategy opens more doors for students — and creates lasting value for partner institutions

PPIA GRADUATE SCHOOL PARTNERS

What’s a Partner School?

• Partner Schools (also known as Consortium Schools) are 50+ undergraduate institutions with public policy and international affairs programs that have historically helped promote PPIA’s Junior Summer Institute (JSI).
• As part of our new strategy, they now take on a formal role by hosting 3-day Explorer Seminars — immersive programs that introduce students to public policy careers and graduate pathways.
• While they don’t host Junior Summer Institutes, Partner Schools are key partners in helping PPIA reach students earlier, engage alumni, and expand our national footprint.

Why expand to Partner Schools?

• Partner Schools help us scale as they enable us to reach more students earlier, especially those unfamiliar with public service careers. 

How do students benefit from being at a Partner School?

• They gain access to regional seminars, mentoring opportunities, and awareness of the full PPIA pathway.

Is Junior Summer Insitute still part of the strategy?

• Absolutely. 
• Junior Summer Institute remains our flagship graduate preparation program.
• The reframed strategy builds around Junior Summer Institute to create more pathways before and after the program, making the experience more accessible and the outcomes more sustainable.

EXPLORE SEMINARS OVERVIEW

What are Explorer Seminars?

• These are 3-day experiences (formerly known as Public Service Weekends) hosted at Partner Schools that are designed to introduce undergraduates to public service, graduate school pathways, and leadership development.
• Partner Schools (also known as Consortium Schools) are 50+ undergraduate institutions with public policy and international affairs programs that have historically helped promote PPIA’s Junior Summer Institute (JSI).

Why is PPIA rebranding Public Service Weekends as Explorer Seminars?

• The rebrand signals a more intentional role within PPIA’s long-term leadership pipeline — positioning the seminars as a formal, strategic entry point to a continuum of development opportunities.

What is PPIA asking of Partner Schools?

• Co-create and host regional programming, nominate promising students, and help spread the word about the new PPIA leadership pathway.

What support does PPIA provide to Partner Schools hosting Explorer Seminars?

• PPIA offers curriculum guidance, alumni speaker connections, planning tools, and implementation best practices — making it easy for schools to deliver a high-quality, meaningful experience.

How are Explorer Seminars funded?

• Each seminar is fully funded by its respective Partner School, which serves as the host and campus partner.

How do Explorer Seminars connect to the rest of the PPIA pathway?

• Explorer Seminars are the front door to PPIA’s ecosystem — leading to Junior Summer Institute, the Leadership Academy, and ongoing mentorship and leadership development throughout students’ careers.

PARTICIPANT EXPERIENCE

Who are the Explorer Seminars for?

• They are designed for undergraduates who are new to public policy. 
• They offer a way to introduce students to public policy while showcasing a university’s commitment to leadership development.

Why are Explorer Seminars important?

• They allow PPIA to reach students earlier — expanding awareness, sparking interest, and providing early access to mentorship, exposure, and professional development.

Who are Explorer Fellows?

• Explorer Fellows are students who participate in a 3-day Explorer Seminar — often their first exposure to public policy. 
• They represent the starting point of the PPIA leadership journey.

What do Explorer Fellows gain from the experience?

• Exposure to public policy careers and graduate pathways.
• A cohort experience that builds confidence and community.
• A formal introduction to the broader PPIA network.

Are there follow-up opportunities for Explorer Fellows?

• Yes. 
• They stay connected through targeted outreach, alumni engagement, graduate school resources, and alerts for future programs like Junior Summer Institute and the Leadership Academy.

Can Explorer Fellows apply to become PPIA Fellows?

• Absolutely. 
• Explorer Fellows are encouraged to apply for the Junior Summer Institute (JSI). 
• If admitted and they complete the 10-week program, they become PPIA Fellows — gaining expanded benefits and lifelong access to the alumni network.

How are Explorer Fellows different from PPIA Fellows?

• Explorer Fellows complete the 3-day seminar. 
• PPIA Fellows complete the 10-week Junior Summer Institute. 
• The Explorer Seminar is the entry point while the Junior Summer Institute is the deeper dive that leads to full Fellow status and additional long-term opportunities.

PROGRAM IMPACT

What do we get in return if we host Explorer Seminars?

• National visibility as a host campus within the PPIA network, reaching a diverse pipeline of high-potential undergraduates interested in graduate study and public service careers.
• Stronger connections to future applicants who leave with awareness of your graduate programs, faculty, and institutional mission.
• Minimal lift for your team, with PPIA handling logistics, curriculum, and delivery in collaboration with your staff and faculty.
• Direct support for equity and access, reinforcing your university’s leadership in building inclusive pathways into graduate education and civic leadership.

We need to see evidence the Explorer Seminars work before committing.

• Explorer Seminars are a new initiative, developed in response to demand from university partners who want more accessible, high-impact programming for undergraduates exploring public service.
• The model is informed by decades of success with PPIA’s Junior Summer Institute, adapted into a shorter format to expand reach and lower barriers to entry.
• Content is designed around what we know works from the Junior Summer Institute experience — early exposure, mentorship, graduate preparation, and leadership reflection — all grounded in PPIA’s proven mission.
• As we pilot the Explorer Seminars, we invite partners to help shape the experience, provide feedback, and join a shared commitment to building the next generation of public service leaders.

We already send student to the Junior Summer Institute.  What's different about these new Explorer Seminars?

• Explorer Seminars are shorter (three days) and designed to reach students earlier in their academic journey, often before they are eligible for JSI.
• Hosting Explorer brings the program to your campus, expanding visibility and access to students who may not apply to or be selected for JSI.
• The format is accelerated and immersive, combining policy exposure, leadership reflection, and graduate school preparation in a concentrated format.
• Explorer complements Junior Summer Institute by widening the pipeline, offering another access point to PPIA’s network for students and institutions alike.

Reinforce our shared commitment to JSI while expanding opportunities for collaboration through Explorer Seminars and leadership programming.

PPIA'S SUSTAINED COMMITMENT

Are you still committed to the Junior Summer Institute (JSI)?

• Absolutely. 
• JSI remains a cornerstone of our leadership development model.
• The reframed strategy builds around Junior Summer Institute to expand the pipeline and strengthen outcomes before and after the program.

Can we also host a 3-Day Explorer Seminar?

• Yes! 
• Junior Summer Institute schools are welcome and encouraged to host Explorer Seminars to engage undergraduates earlier, build awareness of public service careers, and strengthen the leadership pipeline at their institution.

How do Explorer Seminars benefit us as a Junior Summer Institute host school?

• Hosting Explorer Seminars can elevate your visibility with prospective students, strengthen your institutional commitment to public service, and build relationships with Consortium Schools in your region.

What kind of support does PPIA provide for Explorer Seminars?

• We offer guidance on curriculum, agendas, alumni speakers, and promotional support to help ensure a successful, impactful event. 
• Each school funds and organizes the seminar locally.

Can Junior Summer Institute and Explorer Seminars co-exist at the same institution?

• Yes — and they complement each other well. 
• Explorer Seminars attract new students who may later apply to Junior Summer Institute (JSI), while JSI alumni/staff can help lead sessions or mentor students during the seminar.

Are Explorer Seminars a replacement for Junior Summer Institute?

• Not at all. 
• Explorer Seminars are designed as on-ramps — short, high-impact experiences that introduce students to public service. 
• Junior Summer Institute is still our flagship graduate prep program.

How do we express interest in hosting Explorer Seminars?

• Reach out to the PPIA team to start the conversation. 
• We’ll walk you through what’s needed and how we can partner to bring the experience to your campus.

Explain how PPIA strengthens the future public service workforce — and why investing in leadership yields lasting results.

TALENT PIPELINE & PARTNERSHIPS

Why should employers invest in PPIA?

• PPIA alumni bring the skills, values, and training needed to lead.
• It’s an investment in a more effective, mission-driven workforce.

What kind of partnership models are available?

• We customize based on employer goals — including event sponsorships, speaking engagements, leadership roundtables, mentoring, and pipeline-building initiatives.

Do you offer internship or hiring pipelines?

• We can connect you with alumni and help shape recruitment events that align with your organizational needs.

What makes PPIA alumni different?

• They lead with purpose and have been trained to ask big questions, work across differences, and stay accountable to impact.

What’s different about PPIA’s new model?

• We offer earlier entry points, longer-term engagement, and more flexibility for students. 
• It’s a full ecosystem — not a single moment.

Why support leadership development over direct services?

• Because leadership is the multiplier. 
• Investing in students with values and vision drives change across entire systems.

Can we co-develop content or training with you?

• Absolutely. 
• We’re looking to build workshops, mentoring opportunities, and certifications that support shared goals.

Explore ways to communicate PPIA’s unique value to foundations seeking measurable and lasting impact

STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT

Why should foundations support PPIA now?

• We’re scaling to reach more students and expanding programming with a lean, startup mindset that maximizes impact.

What makes PPIA a smart investment for foundations focused on systems change?

• We develop leaders who transform institutions, shape policy, and drive long-term public impact.

How do your programs align with common foundation priorities?

• We advance civic leadership, education-to-career pathways, and measurable, scalable solutions.

What is the impact of funding leadership development instead of direct service?

• Leadership multiplies impact — our alumni lead agencies, set policy, and sustain systemic change.

What’s different about PPIA’s new model?

• We offer earlier access, longer-term engagement, and a full leadership ecosystem — not one-off programs.

How are you measuring success?

• We track participation, outcomes, and testimonials — combining data with alumni and partner feedback.

What safeguards support long-term sustainability?

• We’re diversifying funding through alumni giving, earned revenue, and institutional partnerships.

How is PPIA innovating under the new model?

• We’ve restructured around modular, scalable programming like the 3-Day Explorer Seminars and Leadership Academy — flexible, cost-effective models that can be replicated and adapted.

Are there risks involved in your new approach?

• Yes — but we’re balancing innovation with careful testing, oversight, and a mission-first focus.

CHALLENGE #1

“I love what PPIA did for me, but I just don’t have extra money right now.”

Objectives 

• Acknowledge their situation with empathy.
• Reframe giving as participation, not just dollars (e.g., sharing story, amplifying campaign).
• Keep door open for future engagement.

Suggested Response

Thank you for sharing that. Your connection to PPIA continues to matter. We understand that giving financially may not be possible at the moment, and we truly appreciate your honesty.

There are other ways to stay involved. Sharing your story, forwarding the campaign to someone in your network, or posting a message about what PPIA meant to you can make a real difference. These small actions help us reach more people and remind others why this work matters.

When the time feels right, we would welcome your support in any form. Until then, know that your voice remains a valued part of this community.

CHALLENGE #2

“I’m interested in helping, but I don’t think small gifts like mine would make a difference.”

Objectives 

• Encourage peers to see participation as valuable, not just the gift amount.
• Illustrate how small gifts add up to create tangible opportunities (stipend, travel costs).
• Reinforce other ways to contribute — storytelling, volunteering, amplifying the mission.

Sample Response

Thank you for being open about that. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us move this work forward. When many people give what they can, those small gifts become stipends, help cover travel costs, or fund access to key resources for Fellows who need them.

What matters most is showing support in whatever way feels right. A short message about your PPIA experience, a social post, or inviting someone else to learn about the program can have just as much impact. These efforts expand our reach and strengthen the network behind this mission.

If you choose to give later, we would be grateful. If now feels like the time to lend your voice instead, that support is just as meaningful.

CHALLENGE #3

“I already gave last year — why should I give again?”

Objectives 

• Validate their past contribution while emphasizing ongoing need.
• Explain how upcoming mew programs (mentoring, Leadership Academy, digital platform) require continued support.
• Inspire them with the idea of being part of long-term change, not one-time help.

Suggested Response

Thank you again for your past support. That gift helped make real opportunities possible for Fellows, and we are grateful for what you made possible.

Now we are building on that momentum. New efforts are underway, including a mentoring initiative, a Leadership Academy to guide Fellows as they begin their careers, and a digital platform to help alumni stay connected and continue growing. These programs require consistent support to develop and expand.

Your decision to give again extends the impact of your earlier contribution. Each gift helps sustain what has already been built and fuels what comes next. Continued investment allows these programs to take root, grow, and support future leaders over time. This is how lasting change happens—through consistent effort and shared commitment.

CHALLENGE #4

“I’d love to support PPIA, but I’m not sure how my story would help with fundraising.”

Objectives 

• Reinforce that personal stories drive emotional connection.
• Provide simple ways to share their journey (social media, events, emails).
• Empower alumni to see storytelling as impactful even without a financial gift.

Suggested Response

Your story is more powerful than you might think. When someone hears how PPIA shaped your path — whether it helped you believe in yourself, opened doors to graduate school, or built lifelong cThank you for your willingness to support. Your story can make a meaningful difference. Personal experiences help others understand the real impact of this program in a way that facts and numbers cannot.

When someone reads or hears your journey, they see what is possible. That connection can inspire others to get involved, whether by giving, applying, or spreading the word.

There are easy ways to share. A few lines for an email, a quote for social media, or a short reflection at an event can help more than you might expect. These moments bring PPIA’s mission to life and remind others why this work matters.

Even if a financial gift is not possible right now, using your voice creates momentum. Your story adds depth, credibility, and emotion to our shared effort. That type of support is essential.onnections — it creates an emotional connection that data alone can’t.

CHALLENGE #5

“I’m interested in fundraising, but I don’t feel comfortable asking my friends or colleagues for money.”

Objectives 

• Reframe fundraising as sharing opportunity, not solicitation.
• Show how to make soft asks (e.g., “Would you consider joining me?”)
• Normalize discomfort and offer practical conversation starters.

Suggested Response

Thank you for being honest about that. It is completely normal to feel unsure about asking others to give. Many people feel the same way, especially when it involves friends or coworkers.

Fundraising does not need to feel like a transaction. At its best, it is about sharing something meaningful. When you talk about what PPIA meant to you, you are offering someone the chance to be part of something with real purpose. That can feel very different from asking for money.

There are simple ways to begin. You might say, “This program changed my life. If it speaks to you too, would you consider joining me in supporting it?” This kind of invitation gives people space to choose what feels right for them.

If asking directly still feels uncomfortable, you can also help by forwarding a message, posting a short reflection, or sharing your story during an event. These small steps raise awareness and bring others closer to the mission.

CHALLENGE #1

“Public policy isn’t really our area. Why would supporting PPIA matter to us?”

Objectives 

• Acknowledge that public policy may not be central to their mission.
• Connect PPIA’s mission to workforce development and corporate citizenship — investing in leaders who strengthen communities and the broader talent pipeline.

Suggested Response

Your internal leadership programs provide a strong foundation for developing talent within your organization. PPIA contributes something distinct that complements this work. Our focus is on identifying and preparing early-career professionals across the country who bring lived experience, strong analytical ability, and a long-term commitment to impact across sectors.

Participants learn to solve complex problems, navigate organizational systems, and understand how policy connects to business, community, and society. These capabilities reinforce the competencies your teams develop internally.

Support for PPIA expands your leadership reach, introduces you to a broader talent pipeline, and builds connections to individuals prepared to contribute in diverse settings. This investment strengthens your workforce and creates lasting value for your organization and the communities it engages.

CHALLENGE #2

“We already have internal leadership programs. Why would we support yours?” 

Objectives 

• Acknowledge and respect the strength of their internal leadership programs.
• Emphasize PPIA’s unique contribution: a national network of emerging leaders with policy training and cross-sector perspectives.
• Position PPIA as a source of external talent that complements internal development efforts and supports long-term workforce and community goals.

Sample Resonse

That’s fantastic because strong internal leadership programs are vital for cultivating talent. What PPIA offers is something different, but deeply complementary: we’re building a national network of emerging leaders with rigorous policy training, cross-sector perspective, and a commitment to public purpose.

Our Fellows bring more than leadership potential as they bring lived experience, organizational thinking, and the ability to navigate across government, nonprofit, academic, and private sectors. That kind of external talent can enrich your pipeline and strengthen the broader ecosystem your company operates in.

Supporting PPIA isn’t about replacing your programs as it’s about expanding your reach. It’s a way to invest in future leaders before they enter the workforce, and to be part of shaping a diverse, high-impact talent pool that complements your internal efforts and aligns with your long-term community, policy, and workforce goals.

CHALLENGE #3

“We hire mainly in business and tech — how does PPIA prepare students for roles outside government?”

Objectives 

• Validate their past contribution while emphasizing ongoing need.
• Explain how upcoming mew programs (mentoring, Leadership Academy, digital platform) require continued support.
• Inspire them with the idea of being part of long-term change, not one-time help.

Suggested Response

PPIA participants gain experience that applies to roles in business, technology, and consulting. Although the program began with a policy lens, its training develops cross-sector thinkers who adapt quickly, lead with intention, and bring problem-solving skills to any environment.

Our alumni understand how to interpret data, collaborate with different teams, and communicate clearly in high-stakes situations. These abilities align closely with what forward-looking companies expect from early-career hires.

Support for PPIA broadens access to this kind of talent. It connects your organization with individuals who can contribute immediately and grow into strategic roles, both inside and outside traditional public service careers.

CHALLENGE #4

“We already have strong recruiting channels. What makes working with PPIA worth it?”

Objectives 

• Highlight the early access to high-potential talent.
• Emphasize alignment with public mission and values.
• Reinforce the efficiency and credibility of a PPIA connection.

Suggested Response

Strong recruiting systems help bring in talent at scale. A partnership with PPIA offers something more targeted: early access to emerging leaders who are driven by purpose, trained in analytical thinking, and prepared to contribute across industries.

By connecting with PPIA Fellows during their formative years, your organization becomes part of their professional identity early on. This creates familiarity, increases alignment with your mission, and often results in deeper engagement and retention once they enter the workforce.

PPIA’s track record spans decades. We have built credibility as a trusted pipeline for organizations that value equity, leadership, and systems thinking. Supporting PPIA signals that your company invests in long-term talent and understands the value of diverse perspectives grounded in public purpose. That kind of alignment strengthens your brand and helps you stand out to candidates who are not only qualified but motivated to make a difference.

CHALLENGE #5

“We’re focused on immediate hiring needs — why should we engage with students still in school?”

Objectives 

• Promote long-term talent cultivation by engaging students early in their career journeys to build familiarity and interest in your organization. 
• Show how early exposure leads to stronger alignmnt with company culture, increased motivation, and improved retention over time.
• Encourage companies to view branding, mentorship, and early relationship-building as essential components of a forward-looking recruitment strategy.

Suggested Response

That focus on immediate hiring is important. At the same time, building relationships with students early in their careers can help meet both short- and long-term goals. When students first encounter your organization through mentoring, events, or internships, they begin to understand your culture, values, and work environment. That familiarity leads to stronger alignment and better fit once they enter the workforce.

Early engagement also improves outcomes over time. Students who build relationships with employers during school are more likely to apply with purpose, stay longer, and contribute with greater motivation. This translates into better retention, stronger performance, and a workforce that reflects your long-term priorities.

Partnering with programs like PPIA helps you connect with mission-driven students who are developing the very skills employers value most — analytical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. These early connections strengthen your brand, deepen your pipeline, and prepare students to step into roles with a sense of purpose and preparation.

CHALLENGE #1

“The Volcker Alliance focuses on reform.  How is PPIA different?"

Objectives 

• Respectfully acknowledge the Volcker Alliance’s contributions to strengthening public institutions and advancing policy reform.
• Emphasize PPIA’s distinct mission of cultivating individual leadership capacity — preparing people to lead and influence across sectors.
• Highlight PPIA’s proven model: an alumni-driven pipeline with decades of measurable impact through immersive fellowships and long-term career outcomes.

Suggested Response

The Volcker Alliance plays an important role in advancing policy reform and strengthening public institutions. Their work supports systemic change by shaping how governments function and by promoting effective management practices.

PPIA focuses on preparing the people who lead within those systems — individuals who bring values, lived experience, and long-term commitment to public service. Our mission centers on building leadership capacity at the individual level and equipping Fellows to navigate across government, nonprofit, academic, and private sectors.

PPIA's program model is rooted in immersive experiences that begin with the PPIA Fellowship / Junior Summer Institute and continue through graduate school and early career. PPIA’s strength comes from its alumni network, which now spans several decades. Many of these leaders are making a lasting impact in roles that shape policy, expand access, and improve outcomes for communities across the country.

Together, both organizations support better public service — but PPIA does so by cultivating future leaders directly, through sustained development, mentorship, and long-term engagement.

CHALLENGE #2

“We fund direct services, not leadership development. How does PPIA fit our mission?” 

Objectives 

• Explain how developing leaders amplifies the impact of the foundation’s direct service work, helping their programs reach more people and achieve deeper results.
• Show how PPIA alumni address root causes and create lasting solutions.
• Position funding as building capacity for long-term community transformation.

Sample Resonse

We understand your commitment to supporting direct services that meet immediate community needs. PPIA strengthens those efforts by developing leaders who make those services more effective, more equitable, and more sustainable over time.

Many of our alumni serve in direct service roles. They design and manage programs, lead nonprofit teams, and shape public systems that deliver resources to communities. Because they bring both lived experience and analytical training, they are able to address root causes and improve how services are delivered.

By supporting PPIA, you are investing in the people who increase the reach and impact of the services you care about. Leadership development builds the capacity behind the frontline work. It prepares individuals to grow programs, navigate complexity, and stay committed for the long term. This kind of investment helps ensure that direct services lead to lasting results.

CHALLENGE #3

“We already support several other organizations. What makes PPIA different?”

Objectives 

• Acknowledge the value of other grantees without competing or disparaging them.
• Position PPIA’s strength in cultivating individuals, complementing other efforts that enhance government programs and policies.
• Show how PPIA alumni complement — rather than duplicate — the work of other funded organizations.

Suggested Response

We appreciate your commitment to supporting organizations that strengthen public service. Many of them play a critical role in improving systems, advancing policy, and expanding access to essential services.

PPIA offers something that complements that work. We focus on developing the individuals who lead, implement, and sustain those efforts. Our mission is to prepare future leaders who bring lived experience, strong analytical training, and a long-term commitment to public purpose.

PPIA alumni do not duplicate the work of your other grantees. They help carry it forward. They lead teams, design policy, and bring community knowledge into systems that benefit from deeper representation and stronger leadership. Supporting PPIA builds the capacity behind the programs you already fund and helps ensure those investments have lasting impact.

CHALLENGE #4

“Why should we commit to a multi-year partnership if our funding priorities shift annually?”

Objectives 

• Explain why long-term support creates stronger alumni outcomes.
• Connect sustained investment to scalable impact (leadership growth, mentoring pipelines).
• Position multi-year giving as mission-aligned and future-proof for the foundation.

Suggested Response

We understand that funding priorities evolve from year to year. At the same time, long-term investment helps us build the kind of infrastructure that produces deeper, more lasting impact.

A multi-year partnership allows us to plan ahead, expand mentorship pipelines, strengthen alumni support, and provide consistent leadership development at scale. These are efforts that grow over time. When we can count on steady support, we are better equipped to serve more Fellows, track their progress, and deliver stronger outcomes for the communities they go on to serve.

This approach also aligns with many funders’ long-term goals. By investing in leadership capacity, you help ensure that the individuals behind direct service, advocacy, and systems change are prepared, supported, and motivated to stay in the work. A multi-year commitment does not need to mean inflexibility. It can be structured with shared checkpoints and evolving focus areas, while still providing the stability needed to grow impact with intention.

CHALLENGE #5

We want to see collaboration. How does PPIA work with other organizations rather than compete?

Objectives 

• Reassure foundations that PPIA builds on, not duplicates existing efforts.
• Position alumni as connectors across multiple organizations in public service.
• Show PPIA’s role in filling the leadership gap other programs rely on.

Suggested Response

We believe the best outcomes come from working together. PPIA is proud to partner with the Volcker Alliance through the NextGen Service initiative, where we collectively support a strong and diverse pipeline into public service. This collaboration reflects our shared belief that lasting change depends on well-prepared leaders who reflect the communities they serve.

PPIA alumni contribute across a wide range of organizations. Many work in government, nonprofits, research institutes, and advocacy networks that foundations like yours already support. In these roles, they help design policy, manage programs, build coalitions, and lead teams that turn ideas into action.

Rather than duplicate what others do, PPIA prepares the leaders those organizations rely on. Our alumni often serve as the connecting point between partners. They bring strong skills, shared values, and the ability to work across sectors. This kind of leadership helps unify efforts and increase impact across the public service landscape.

Supporting PPIA helps amplify the work of your other grantees. By investing in leadership, you strengthen the capacity behind the programs you already believe in.

CHALLENGE #1

“We run our own programs for graduate applicants. What’s the added value of partnering with PPIA?”

Objectives 

• Respect the university’s efforts (avoid defensiveness).
• Highlight PPIA’s national reach and alumni network.
• Show how PPIA amplifies.

Suggested Response

We recognize the important work your team is already doing to support graduate applicants. PPIA is not here to replace or duplicate those efforts. Instead, we provide a platform that helps amplify them.

Our national network gives students early exposure to graduate pathways and public service careers, which means they come to your programs with greater clarity, motivation, and preparation. Many Fellows already credit their JSI experience with shaping their decision to pursue graduate study.

Partnering with PPIA also extends your university’s visibility across the country and connects your program to a community of alumni who are already making an impact in public service. It is a chance to build stronger pipelines, deepen long-term engagement, and align with a mission that supports equity and access in higher education..

CHALLENGE #2

“Our focus is on graduate-level students, not undergraduates. How does PPIA fit?”

Objectives 

• Clarify that PPIA feeds graduate programs with well-prepared applicants.
• Emphasize alignment with their talent pipeline goals (ready-to-enroll students).
• Reassure that graduate programs benefits from PPIA’s work at the undergraduate.

Sample Response

We understand your focus is on graduate students. PPIA was created to help identify and prepare undergraduates who are strong candidates for advanced study in public service, policy, and related fields.

Our Junior Summer Institute gives students early exposure to graduate-level concepts, research, and writing, while also helping them build confidence and clarity about their next steps. Many alumni go on to apply for graduate programs with a deeper understanding of the field and stronger materials, including personal statements and policy writing samples.

For graduate schools, this means a more prepared and purpose-driven applicant pool. Partnering with PPIA helps you connect with students who are not only academically ready, but also committed to leadership and equity in public service. The result is a stronger pipeline of graduate students who are more likely to enroll, persist, and lead in their fields.

CHALLENGE #3

“We’re concerned about adding another program — our staff is already at capacity.”

Objectives 

• Acknowledge their capacity concerns.
• Emphasize PPIA’s plug-and-play model (virtual programming, student-ready resources).
• Highlight outcomes: better-prepared applicants and national exposure.

Suggested Response

We understand how stretched staff capacity can be. That is why PPIA is designed to be easy to integrate. Our virtual programming, communications tools, and student-ready materials are built to minimize the administrative burden on campus teams.

Partnering with PPIA connects you to highly motivated undergraduates who are already exploring graduate study and public service careers. These students arrive better prepared, more informed, and more likely to follow through. Your program also gains national visibility through our network, which supports long-term recruitment and reputation-building without adding strain on your team.

CHALLENGE #4

“We already promote PPIA to our students. What more would partnership involve?”

Objectives 

• Acknowledge their existing support and awareness of PPIA.
• Highlight expanded opportunities for collaboration: mentoring networks, virtual policy series, leadership programming.
• Demonstrate that partnership deepens student benefits and university visibility within the national PPIA network.

Suggested Response

We truly appreciate that you already share PPIA opportunities with your students. That support plays a big role in helping us reach emerging leaders early in their journey.

A formal partnership builds on that foundation. It opens the door to deeper collaboration through mentoring networks, virtual policy discussions, and co-branded leadership programming. These additions enrich the student experience and offer more consistent touchpoints throughout their academic path.

For your institution, partnership also increases visibility within our national network. It strengthens your position as a leader in public service education and connects your program to a broader community of mission-aligned schools, alumni, and practitioners.

CHALLENGE #5

"We are not a Junior Summer Institute (JSI) university, what value does PPIA bring to us?”

Objectives 

• Highlight PPIA’s resources beyond the JSI: Future Frame virtual series, mentoring, leadership programming (coming soon).
• Show how these offerings broaden opportunities for students who otherwise lack access to such experiences.
• PPIA is an enrichment partner that adds value without requiring hosting duties.

Suggested Response

Even if your university does not host a Junior Summer Institute, there are still meaningful ways to partner with PPIA and expand opportunities for your students. Our programs are designed to complement your efforts without requiring long-term hosting commitments.

The Explorer Program is a three-day, accelerated experience hosted on your campus. It introduces undergraduates to public service careers, graduate education pathways, and alumni mentors. The format is intentionally designed to be immersive, accessible, and impactful — especially for students who may not otherwise have exposure to these opportunities.

We are also launching a Leadership Academy that supports Fellows as they transition into graduate school and early career roles, with training focused on leadership development, career preparation, and civic impact. Additional online seminars and virtual programming will offer touchpoints throughout the year to build community, knowledge, and readiness.

By partnering with PPIA, your institution gains national visibility, your students benefit from expanded access to leadership preparation, and your programs connect with a broader network committed to equity in public service.