Video Storytelling Guide

Sixty seconds is all it takes to make an impact.  Tell your PPIA story in your own words and help others see what is possible through this community.

I was a recipient of this opportunity that changed my life

Josh Diosomito, Executive Director

Public Policy & International Affairs Program

In just one minute, Josh shares what PPIA meant to him — in his own words, from his own space. No script. No studio. Just sincerity.  His story reminds us that powerful messages don’t need polish. They need heart.


Watch it and imagine how you might share your own journey.

In Your 60-Second Video, Try This Simple 4-Step Structure:


(1) Start with who you are


“Hi, I’m Jasmine Hernandez, a PPIA Fellow 2012 from the Michigan Junior Summer Institute, now working as a policy analyst at the GAO.”


(2) Share how PPIA shaped your path

What did the Fellowship open up for you? What dreams became real because of it?


“Before PPIA, I didn’t think graduate school was an option. No one I knew had gone, and I didn't think I belonged. It gave me the confidence, skills, and network I needed to pursue a public service career.”


(3) Invite others to be part of this journey

Speak from the heart. Help others feel like they belong in the PPIA community too.


"We need more leaders who reflect our communities. You can be part of that change.”


(4) End with a powerful ask

Encourage viewers to take action.


“We need your support — your stories, your voice, and your gift. Help the next generation by donating at ppiaprogram.org/donate.”

Share and Inspire Others


Post your video on social media and tag us! Let’s spread the word and inspire more alumni to get involved.


Tag @ppiaprogram and use the hashtag #PPIAOpportunity on:


And Don’t Stop There



Sample Stories. Real Impact.

The quotes below are examples for guidance only and they’re not from actual people.  Use them as inspiration, but don’t feel boxed in because your journey is your own. What matters most is that you speak from the heart and keep it under 60 seconds. You’ve already lived the story. Now, share it with others who need to hear it.

  • I Didn’t Think Graduate School Was for Me

    THEME

    These examples share what PPIA Fellows felt were unexpected, invaluable, or deeply personal about their experience and not just what PPIA does, but what it truly meant.


    SAMPLE #1

    ANA – PPIA FELLOW 2016, PRINCETON JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Ana, PPIA Fellow 2016, and I attended the Junior Summer Institute at Princeton. Before PPIA, I hadn’t imagined grad school as a step I could take. No one in my circle had done it. That summer changed how I saw my future. Today, I work in city planning and center equity in every decision. I share my story so others can begin theirs  and I hope you’ll support the next generation by donating at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SAMPLE #2

    JAY – PPIA FELLOW 2002, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    My name is Jay. I’m a PPIA Fellow 2002 and went through the Junior Summer Institute at the University of Michigan. I was raised to believe college was the finish line. PPIA showed me there’s more. More growth. More ways to lead. More ways to serve. I give so another student can say, “Someone believed in me.” Please join me by donating at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SAMPLE #3

    Raquel – PPIA FELLOW 2010, UNIVERSTY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Raquel, PPIA Fellow 2010 from the Berkeley Junior Summer Institute. I didn’t think public policy was something people like me could enter. PPIA gave me the tools, exposure, and confidence to begin. Now, I lead a nonprofit focused on food justice. I speak up so others can see this path too and I invite you to make a difference by giving at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SAMPLE #4

    MALCOLM– PPIA FELLOW 2005, CARNEGIE MELLON JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Malcolm, PPIA Fellow 2005. I joined the JSI at Carnegie Mellon. I entered that summer unsure of where I belonged. I left knowing I had a seat at the table. PPIA didn’t give me every answer, but it helped me ask the right questions. I support the next wave of Fellows so they can find their way forward. You can do the same at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SAMPLE #5

    SAIRA - PPIA FELLOW 2022, HARVARD JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Saira, PPIA Fellow 2022 from the Harvard Junior Summer Institute. I walked into the program doubting whether grad school was realistic. I walked out with mentors, purpose, and a path I hadn’t seen before. Today, I work in public health and contribute to the Opportunity Campaign so that others can open doors too. Help make that happen by donating at ppiaprogram.org/donate.

  • How PPIA Changed My Path

    THEME

    These examples show how PPIA Fellows changed direction in choosing new degrees, careers, and causes after their PPIA summer.


    SCENARIO #1

    DEVON– PPIA FELLOW 2024, HARVARD JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Devon, PPIA Fellow 2024 from the Harvard Junior Summer Institute. PPIA showed me how data, policy, and community connect. I chose to pursue a dual degree in economics and urban planning. Today, I build affordable housing initiatives. I encourage you to support PPIA through your donations at ppiaprogram.org/donate so more Fellows can take new paths.


    SCENARIO #2

    LEILA – PPIA FELLOW 2020, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Leila, PPIA Fellow 2018 from the University of Minnesota Junior Summer Institute. Before PPIA, I planned to go to law school. That summer I discovered a commitment to public health. Now I manage programs focused on health equity. I invite you to support PPIA through your donations at ppiaprogram.org/donate so other Fellows can also find their calling.


    SCENARIO #3

    MARCUS – PPIA FELLOW 2003, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Marcus, PPIA Fellow 2003 from the Michigan Junior Summer Institute. That summer gave me more than policy tools. It introduced me to a network and a sense of purpose. I shifted my focus from international law to education policy, and now I work to expand access in higher education. Support PPIA through your donations at ppiaprogram.org/donate so this path stays open.


    SCENARIO #4

    NADIA – PPIA FELLOW 2012, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Nadia, PPIA Fellow 2012 from the Berkeley Junior Summer Institute. PPIA shifted my focus from political science to economic development. It wasn’t only about the coursework, it was about the people I met. Today, I lead research at a think tank focused on job creation. Please support PPIA through your donations at ppiaprogram.org/donate so future Fellows can change direction too.


    SCENARIO #5

    JONATHAN – PPIA FELLOW 2008, PRINCETON JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Jonathan, PPIA Fellow 2008 from the Princeton Junior Summer Institutre. I arrived curious and left focused. That focus guided me to a Master’s in international affairs and a career in diplomacy. I remind every new Fellow that one opportunity can start everything. Please support PPIA through your donations at ppiaprogram.org/donate so more journeys can begin.


  • Why I Stay Involved / Why I Give

    THEME

    These PPIA Fellows didn’t walk away after their Junior Summer Institute program. They mentor, donate, and speak up because they believe the next generation needs PPIA, too.


    SCENARIO #1

    ANYA – PPIA FELLOW 2015, CARNEGIE MELLON JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Anya, PPIA Fellow 2015 from Carnegie Mellon. I mentor current Fellows because I remember what it meant to hear from someone who had walked the same path. PPIA shaped how I approach decisions and opportunities. I stay involved so others feel that same push forward. Please join me in giving at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SCENARIO #2

    DIEGO - PPIA FELLOW 2009, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Diego, PPIA Fellow 2009. I attended the Junior Summer Institute at Michigan. I donate because that summer shifted what I believed was possible. I hadn’t considered grad school until then. If I can help just one future Fellow move toward a goal, I’ll keep doing my part. You can too.  Please visit ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SCENARIO #3

    ERIKA - PPIA FELLOW 2006, PRINCETON JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Erika, PPIA Fellow 2006 from Princeton. I stay connected through alumni meetups and monthly giving. It keeps me close to a community committed to building better systems. This work doesn’t happen alone. Join me by contributing at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SCENARIO #4

    JARED - PPIA FELLOW 2024, HARVARD JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Jared, PPIA Fellow 1998 from the Harvard Junior Summer Institute. I give because the program still delivers. It continues to prepare young people for real-world challenges in public service. That kind of preparation doesn’t happen by chance. If you’re ready to do your part, go to ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SCENARIO #5

    ALINA - PPIA FELLOW 2020, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESTOA JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Alina, PPIA Fellow 2020 from Minnesota. I help with campus outreach and manage our alumni social media. That’s how I pay it forward. PPIA gave me a voice, and now I try to lift others up too. If you’re thinking about giving, I hope you’ll take that step at ppiaprogram.org/donate.

  • What I Tell Current PPIA Fellows

    THEME

    Advice from alumni who sat where current PPIA Fellows are now with words of reassurance, practical tips, and forward-looking encouragement.


    SCENARIO #1

    LUIS – PPIA FELLOW 2014, BERKELEY JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Luis, PPIA Fellow 2014 from the Berkeley Junior Summer Institute. When I sat in those classrooms, I wondered if I really belonged. That feeling faded. The people around me became peers, and the work began to feel like home. Keep going. You’re already in the right place. If this message resonates, help another PPIA Fellow begin and donate at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SCENARIO #2

    MEI – PPIA FELLOW 2021, MINNESOTA JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Mei, PPIA Fellow 2021 from the Minnesota Junior Summer Institute. You don’t need to know your end goal right now. What matters is staying curious and showing up. Take every conversation seriously, even the quick ones. They shape more than you expect. Support future PPIA Fellows by donating at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SCENARIO #3

    OMAR – PPIA FELLOW 2010, MICHIGAN JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Omar, PPIA Fellow 2010 from the Michigan Junior Summer Institute. It took me years to realize how rare this kind of support is. Don’t let it slip by. Ask questions, seek mentors, and lean into your interests. That’s how the next step shows up. If PPIA helped you too, consider giving at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SCENARIO #4

    NINA – PPIA FELLOW 2017, PRINCETON JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Nina, PPIA Fellow 2017 from the Princeton Junior Summer Institute. There’s no one path that defines public service. You might lead a nonprofit, shape policy, or work through film or journalism. What matters is sharpening your skills and staying close to people who stretch your thinking. Help someone else do the same at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SCENARIO #5

    JAMES – PPIA FELLOW 2003, CARNEGIE MELLON JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m James, PPIA Fellow 2003 from the Carnegie Mellon Junior Summer Institute. What I’d tell you is simple: don’t wait to be ready. You’re already in the room. That means something. Let it push you forward and consider helping the next PPIA Fellow rise by donating at ppiaprogram.org/donate.

  • Why The Opportunity Campaign Matter Now

    THEME

    These PPIA Fellows know what it’s like to wonder if they belong and what it means when someone says “yes, you do.” The Opportunity Campaign ensures others can take that first step too.


    SCENARIO #1

    RAQUEL – PPIA FELLOW 2013, MICHIGAN JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Raquel, PPIA Fellow 2013 from the Michigan Junior Summer Institute. Graduate school wasn’t even on my radar. I was juggling two jobs and barely staying afloat. PPIA handed me a vision I didn’t know I was allowed to have. The Opportunity Campaign keeps that kind of possibility alive. Join us, please donate at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SCENARIO #2

    BRYAN – PPIA FELLOW 2005, BERKELEY JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Bryan, PPIA Fellow 2005 from the Berkeley Junior Summer Institute. Someone believed in me before I believed in myself. That investment changed everything. The Opportunity Campaign is your moment to do the same for someone else. Give at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SCENARIO #3

    TINA – PPIA FELLOW 2020, HARVARD JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Tina, PPIA Fellow 2020 from the Harvard Junior Summer Institute. Yes, I learned policy. But more than that, I saw a path forward when everything around me said, “stay where you are.” That’s what this campaign helps create - a leap forward! Share your story or donate at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SCENARIO #4

    JORDAN – PPIA FELLOW 2011, PRINCETON JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Jordan, PPIA Fellow 2011 from the Princeton Junior Summer Institute. Before PPIA, I didn’t know anyone with a graduate degree. I wasn’t sure how I’d pay for it either. But I made it through and now I mentor Fellows who are just starting out. The Opportunity Campaign makes more of that possible. Be part of it at ppiaprogram.org/donate.


    SCENARIO #5

    SOPHIA – PPIA FELLOW 2018, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA JUNIOR SUMMER INSTITUTE

    I’m Sophia, PPIA Fellow 2018 from the Minnesota Junior Summer Institute. PPIA raised my expectations for myself. That’s what happens when someone sees your potential and helps carry the weight. Help carry it for someone else.  Please donate, share your story, or pass the mic at ppiaprogram.org/donate.