Junior geography and political science major Blake Gibbons has been awarded the PPIA Junior Summer Institute Fellowship. He will complete a fully-funded, intensive public policy and international affairs program at the University of Michigan this summer.

Why it matters: This nationally-recognized program identifies high-potential students and equips them to become influential leaders serving the public good. Becoming a PPIA fellow has helped Gibbons combine his academic interests and experiences with his desire to give back.

What it offers:

• Seven-week curriculum focusing on leadership, policy and analytic skills
• $1,500 stipend plus tuition, housing, and meals at the Junior Summer Institute
• $5,000 scholarship at a PPIA graduate school
• 4,000 member alumni network for mentoring and career development

Gibbons currently serves as a student government representative and director of administration of the Entrepreneurship Club, works as a TRIO first generation student mentor and interns in transit services with The COMET.

Now, he realizes his future lies in the intersection of public policy and urban development. Gibbons plans to pursue a career in urban transportation planning and operations.

“The application process made me realize that public transportation was my niche,” he says. “I learned the core of what I wanted to do and who I wanted to help.” 

Learn more: For more information about the PPIA Junior Summer Institute or other national fellowship opportunities, visit National Fellowships and Scholar Programs.